This electric Ford Explorer isn't the brand's first EV, but it marks the company's first major leap into this market. It's a mid-sized SUV utilising a Volkswagen chassis and powertrain, yet it has been engineered in all other aspects to look, feel, and drive like a true European Ford.

Performance

Ford enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the Explorer drives just as well as expected, especially the top-spec Extended Range AWD model we had the chance to review. This dual-motor version accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, packing plenty of punch. But the real magic is how Ford has transformed Volkswagen’s MEB platform to make the Explorer feel unmistakably like a Ford. It's genuinely enjoyable on the road, with responsive steering and a playful character. Plus, it’s super comfortable. Even with the standard 20-inch alloy wheels on our Premium trim test car, the Explorer handles most road surfaces smoothly and confidently.

Brake regeneration is managed through the gear selector on the steering column, typically remaining mild and unobtrusive. However, selecting 'B' mode increases the regen intensity, making one-pedal driving around town quite heavy.

Range and Charging

The Ford Explorer's most popular version is likely to be the single motor, 77kWh Extended Range RWD, offering an impressive range of up to 602 km. If you opt for the Premium trim with larger alloy wheels, you'll still get an estimated 570 km of range. Plus, keep an eye out for a third variant coming later, featuring a 52kWh battery and a range of 384 km.

Charging speeds for the electric Ford Explorer vary by model. The 52kWh version supports DC rapid charging up to 135kW, achieving a 10-80% charge in about half an hour. The 77kWh and 79kWh versions handle up to 185kW, nearing the class-leading speeds of Tesla, Kia, and Hyundai, and can reach a 10-80% charge in roughly 26 minutes with a fast enough charger, or get you up to 172 km of range in just 10 minutes. A 7kW home charger will fully charge the 52kWh model in under nine hours, while the larger battery versions take about 13 hours. The Explorer also uses Type 2 and CCS sockets, the European standard, making it compatible with nearly all public chargers across the UK and Europe.

Design and Interior

Given the substantial size of past Explorer models, you might expect this new electric design to be equally large. Surprisingly, at nearly 4.46 meters in length, it sits right between the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 models, from which it borrows its drivetrain. It features nods to the classic Explorer, like the grey 'sail'-shaped panel behind the rear door and blacked-out pillars for that 'floating' roof effect.

Inside, the Explorer feels equally distinctive, featuring a two-tone dashboard with a 15-inch portrait central screen, adjustable in 20 stages by up to 30 degrees. Behind it, you’ll find a stowage space Ford calls 'My Private Locker'. Additional storage includes space beneath the centre console and a 17-litre 'Mega Console' cubby between the seats, large enough to fit a laptop or modest-sized handbag. The interior also boasts a 5-inch digital instrument cluster and a standard-fit sound bar on top of the dashboard. The quality is a significant leap forward compared to any Ford we've seen in this market segment before.

When it comes to space and practicality, the Explorer doesn't have a front trunk ('frunk') for cable storage, but it offers a generous 450-litre boot with underfloor storage and a removable boot floor. Folding the rear seats increases the cargo space to a generous total of over 1,400 litres. Two adults can fit comfortably in the rear, but more would be a squeeze. And if you see yourself towing a trailer or caravan, the Explorer AWD version features a tow bar that can handle up to 1,200 KG, which is quite rare for an EV.

Cost Considerations

Prices for the Ford Explorer start at €41,467 for the standard range ‘Select’ model but expect the asking figures to rise pretty steeply from there, to €64,990 for the top of the range ‘Premium’ trim. All models feature niceties like heated massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and dual zone climate control, plus Ford will also throw in its dash-mounted soundbar and a 5-inch digital instrument cluster showing speed, range and navigational instructions.

If you can stretch to 'Premium' spec, you'll get Sensico artificial leather upholstery, a full-length panoramic roof and a 10-colour ambient lighting system that reacts to the various drive modes. However you specify your Explorer, you should find impressive cabin quality: Ford has designed every touch point with soft-touch materials, including the door tops to give that classier feel.

Ford offer a two year/unlimited km base warranty coverage, and an 8 year/160,000km battery coverage to give you peace of mind in the long run.

Conclusion

The Ford Explorer is practical, comfortable, and fun to drive, with some clever interior features and a very useful range. It stands out in a crowded segment with its unique exterior, making it a well-sorted and highly recommendable electric family SUV. We look forward to testing it on more familiar Irish roads in the future.