FORD EXPLORER: The American Icon Reimagined for Europe (Buyer Score: 8.2/10)
1. SG OVERVIEW
The Ford Explorer EV is a mid-size electric crossover built specifically for European roads on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.
It packs a 77–79 kWh usable battery providing an impressive WLTP range of 329 to 374 miles (530–602 km) depending on the drive configuration.
Ford offers a standard 3-year / 60,000-mile vehicle warranty alongside an 8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty.
Priced between €45,000 and €55,000 (£39,875–£49,885 / $48,000–$62,000), it is sold across the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and wider European markets.
2. SG SPECIFICATIONS & REAL WORLD CAPABILITIES
Vehicle Size:
- Category:
- SUV (C-Segment / Compact crossover).
- Luggage Space:
- 470 Litres rear boot capacity (expands to 1,422 Litres with rear seats folded flat).
What This Means:
4 large suitcases + 5 adult passengers.
Customer Profile: Active suburban families and EV adopters wanting a stylish, practical crossover suited for daily commutes and holiday journeys.
Body Style Advantages: Elevated driving position, compact exterior footprint for easy urban maneuvering, and versatile rear cargo space.
Battery Size & Type
77.0–79.0 kWh usable capacity; Lithium-ion (NMC chemistry).
City WLTP Range: 700 km (435 miles)
Motorway WLTP Range: 440 km (273 miles)
Real World Range
Real-World Summer Range: 480 km (298 miles)
Real-World Winter Range: 360 km (223 miles)
Towing Capacity (Braked): 1,200 kg (RWD) / 1,800 kg (AWD)
Roof Load: 75 kg
Platform Voltage & Max Charging Speed:
- 400V Architecture.
- Max DC Charging: 135 kW (RWD) / 185 kW (AWD)
Max AC Charging: 11 kW 3-phase (0–100% in approx. 8 hours)
Charge Time(10-80%):
10–80% Charge Time: 26 to 28 minutes
Suitability: Excellent for regular family road trips, cross-country touring, and high-mileage weekly commutes.
Performance:
- Performance: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.4 seconds (RWD) / 5.3 seconds (AWD).
Driver Experience:
- Composed body control, firm yet compliant suspension, linear
3. SG 100% EV SCORECARD
6 Key EV Factors
SG Score
SG Comments
1. Home Charging Speed & V2 Capabilities
8 / 10
• 11 kW 3-phase AC onboard charger standard.
• Full home recharge overnight in ~8 hours.
• Lacks native V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) / V2G output features.
2. Charging Curve & 10-to-80% Speed
8 / 10
• Reaches a high 185 kW peak on AWD variants.
• Pre-conditioning activates automatically via native navigation routing.
• Flat charging curve maintains high speeds up to 70% state-of-charge.
3. Real-World Efficiency
8.5 / 10
• Averages 16.5–18.0 kWh per 100 km (3.4–3.7 Miles/kWh).
• Aerodynamic active grille shutters improve highway performance.
• Optional heat pump restores winter efficiency.
4. Software, OTA Updates & Native Navigation
8.5 / 10
• Responsive SYNC Move 14.6-inch tilting touchscreen hides a lockable storage vault.
• Supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Built-in EV route planner automatically updates charger availability.
5. Battery Technology / Chemistry
8 / 10
• Uses Volkswagen’s proven MEB modular battery architecture.
• High-energy-density NMC chemistry provides excellent range-to-weight ratio.
• Active liquid thermal management system ensures long pack life.
6. Battery & Vehicle Warranties
8 / 10
• Battery coverage for 8 years / 160,000 km (100,000 miles) at 70% capacity health.
• 2-year unlimited-mile bumper-to-bumper vehicle coverage.
• Includes 2 years of complimentary roadside assistance across Europe.
4. SG WHO SHOULD/NOT BUY THIS 100% EV?
BUY THIS IF…..
You want impressive real-world range capability up to 374 miles (WLTP).
You value innovative interior storage, including the lockable “My Private Locker” screen storage.
You need a compact SUV footprint that fits comfortably into tighter European parking spaces.
You want rapid DC fast charging capable of 10–80% in under 30 minutes.
You appreciate standard driver comforts like massage front seats and a heated steering wheel.
You require up to 1,800 kg of braked towing capacity (AWD variants).
SKIP THIS IF…
You require a front trunk (frunk) for storing charging cables.
You prefer full physical climate buttons instead of touchscreen/touch-slider controls.
You need 7-seater passenger capacity (the Explorer EV is strictly a 5-seater).
You regularly tow heavy commercial loads exceeding 1,800 kg.
You are looking for ultra-fast 800V charging architectures.
You prefer lightweight compact hatchbacks over elevated crossover body styles.
SG Says To Remember;
Choosing the right EV isn’t just about picking the car with the biggest range or fastest charging. It’s about getting the size, shape, and financial deal, etc. that best matches your lifestyle, location and budget (long term).
5. SG RECOMMENDED YouTube REVIEW
Key Video Highlights:
- Chassis & Driving Dynamics: The video demonstrates how Ford re-tuned Volkswagen’s MEB platform to deliver firmer, more engaging steering and better body control.
- Clever Screen & Storage Features: Highlights the practical utility of the 14.6-inch tilting touchscreen that locks out out of sight to protect valuables in the hidden cubby.
- Touch-Sensitive Steering Controls: Notes that the haptic touch buttons on the steering wheel can be fussy to operate on the move compared to traditional physical buttons.
6. SG RELATED ARTICLES
Similar100% EVs to Consider
Volkswagen ID.4 Review: Platform sibling offering balanced ride comfort and familiar family ergonomics.
Skoda Enyaq Review: Practical C-segment electric SUV featuring class-leading boot capacity and clever interior solutions.
Nissan Ariya Review: Premium Japanese crossover focused on plush cabin materials and whisper-quiet motor operation.
Tesla Model Y Review: Benchmark mid-size EV SUV boasting expansive Supercharger network integration and tech leadership.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review: Retro-futuristic 800V electric crossover with ultra-fast charging capabilities.
7. SG OTHER MODELS FROM THIS MANUFACTURER
, €70k–75k / £61k–65k / $81.2k-87k
, €85k–90k / £74k–78k / $98.6k-104.4k
, 0400v (DC Fast Charging)
, E. FULL-SIZE
, FORD
, Greater than €100k / £87k / $116k
, NMC(Nickel Manganese Cobalt)
, PICKUP
, V2G (Vehicle To Grid)
, V2H (Vehicle To Home)
, V2L (Vehicle To Load)
, WLTP 500-599 km /310m-372m
, €40k–45k / £35k–39k / $46.4k-52.2k
, €45k–50k / £39k–44k / $52.2-58k
, €50k–55k / £44k–48k / $58k-63.8k
, 0400v (DC Fast Charging)
, COUPE/FASTBACK
, D. MID-SIZE
, FORD
, LFP(Lithium Iron Phosphate)
, NMC(Nickel Manganese Cobalt)
, Reviews
, SUV(SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE)
, WLTP 600-699 km /372m-435m