When one door closes (goodbye, Fiesta), another opens – this time electrically. And these new doors lead straight into the comfortable, digital and rather confident interior of the new Ford Explorer Electric (2024). But is this still the Ford we know? Ford Explorer Electric (2024) test!
It's over. The story of Fiest, Focus and all those models that have faithfully served European drivers for decades, ended as the last chapter of a book that was left without a sequel. Ford has turned over a new leaf and now with all four – well, three – powertrain configurations, it’s racing towards an electric future. The new Ford Explorer Electric (2024) is not just a car, but a symbol of a movement. A movement where American self-confidence is domesticated on a German platform with a European accent and a digital face. With many good features. So – the test Ford Explorer Electric (2024)!
At first glance, it looks like someone is in Detroit took the shape of a Lego brick and polished it to aerodynamic elegance. Square posture, but with rounded edges. Up front, the protective grille – “The Shield”, as it was romantically called – is not just an aesthetic addition, it also helps with efficiency. At the back, the “Explorer” lettering screams with confidence, as if to make sure you won’t mistake it for any other SUV. And believe me, you won’t. It’s special and, compared to its European sibling, ID.4 quite different.
Why does Explorer ride in German shoes?
If you find it strange that Ford electric SUV uses Volkswagen platform – you’re not alone. But the reason is simple: money and speed. In 2019, Ford and Volkswagen entered into a strategic partnership that includes the joint development of electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, and even autonomous technology. The result? Ford Explorer Electric (2024) is built on Volkswagen's proven MEB platform, which is used by models ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 as well Too bad Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron.
This collaboration Ford allows it to enter the European electric vehicle market without astronomical costs and time loss with a vehicle that is already on solid foundations. Of course, Ford did not just stick a logo on it - the design, user interface and the entire "feeling in the cabin" are completely different. The Explorer is not a Volkswagen clone, but an American in disguise with a European soul - or, to be more specific: an American superhero in German shoes who can say "Guten Tag" in beautifully pronounced English.
Exterior: American appearance with a European attitude
Ford Explorer Electric (2024) combines American boldness with European sophistication, which is clearly reflected in its exterior design. Despite its relatively compact dimensions – length 4,468 mm, width 1,872 mm, height between 1,630 and 1,639 mm, with wheelbase 2,767 mm – it acts confidently and robustly, as befits an SUV with roots across the pond. Compared to its competitor Volkswagen ID.4, which measures 4,584 mm in length, the Explorer is shorter by about 12 cm, giving it a slightly more compact and urban-oriented silhouette, better suited to European cities.
In terms of space, the Explorer offers 450 liters of luggage space, which expands to 1,400 liters. For comparison: Volkswagen ID.4 offers a slightly larger basic trunk with 543 liters, which means the Explorer falls a little short in this area. However, the interior flexibility and flat trunk floor provide enough utility for everyday errands or longer trips.
From a design perspective, I personally like the Explorer better than the ID.4. Its the side silhouette is dynamic, the front end is confident, but the rear end is perhaps a bit too reminiscent of previous generations of Explorers, known from American movies. It lacks some originality – perhaps a bolder lighting signature or a design detail that would give it its own identity.
On the other hand, it is the overall design is strongly inspired by the Range Rover design philosophyThis is especially noticeable in "Explorer" sign at the front and rear of the vehicle, which is more Range than Ford – and that's exactly what I like, as I'm a big fan of their design. So the Explorer doesn't directly copy, but rather weaves recognizable styles into a confident yet elegant whole.
Three faces of one Explorer
Just as a good novel offers multiple perspectives on the same story, the Ford Explorer Electric (2024) comes in three versions – each with its own character and narrative.
The first, the one with the fewest demands but the most courage, is named Standard Range RWD. This is a car for those who mostly move within the city limits, but do not want to sacrifice comfort or prestige. With a 52-kilowatt battery and rear-wheel drive, it reaches up to 384 kilometers according to WLTP standard, which is more than enough for everyday trips. Its 170 horsepower enough for reliable, though not exactly exciting, acceleration to 100 km/h in nine secondsThis is not a car that rushes – this is a car that reliably keeps pace.
When you need more than just transportation, when you want reach that gets you there to the sea and back without stops, then the version comes to the fore Extended Range RWDWith almost 600 kilometers (WLTP) (real 450 km) range and 286 horsepower This is a car that feels like an upgrade – like you’ve moved from the base game to a premium experience. And it doesn’t have four-wheel drive, which means lower costs but no compromise on performance. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, which is enough for the back seats to remind you that someone is sitting there.
Finally, there is a version for those who want it all. Extended Range AWD is actually the automotive equivalent of a superhero – 340 horsepower, four-wheel drive and acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. But it's not just about the numbers. This version is equipped with panoramic roof, placed on 20-inch rims and highlighted with matrix LED headlightsThis is the Explorer Electric (2024), which doesn't explore paths - it creates them.
We had this most powerful version on test. But if the decision were based on a rational compromise between performance, range and price, the purchase choice would most likely lean towards the mid-range model, Extended Range RWD – also due to the slightly better range and the reasonable assumption that the same technology and engine as the model is hidden under the surface ID.7.
Charging: fast, easy and basically very solid
One of the pleasant surprises of the model Ford Explorer Electric (2024) is the area of charging. Unlike many competitors that only offer high-power fast charging in more expensive versions, the Explorer already offers this in the base version. RWD Extended Range enables DC fast charging with power up to 185 kWThis means you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 26 minutes, which is more than competitive – even compared to models from higher price ranges.
In addition, all versions also support AC charging with power up to 11 kW (sadly not 22 kW), which allows for convenient overnight charging at home - without the need for expensive accessories or interventions. If you have a three-phase wallbox at home, your Explorer will be ready for new routes every morning, charged and ready to explore.
So, whether you choose the mid-range version or the most powerful one AWD version for longer journeys – when it comes to charging capabilities, the Explorer won't leave you feeling like you've compromised. On the contrary – it's more than competitive in this segment.
Interior: American spaciousness with German ergonomics
When you open the door, you don't just enter the car, you enter digital living room on wheels. Huge 15 inch screen not only manages the system Ford SYNC Move, but it also physically slides down to reveal a hidden storage area, a sort of car safe for your valuables. The upper part of the dashboard acts as a digital gallery, while the lower part acts as an Ikea storage catalog.
The interior design strongly resembles Range Rover Evoque or vehicles of this brand – which is not a bad thing at all. The seats have the function »easy entry" and similar settings, and the overall design seems quite clean. There is only a little bit of interior haptic keys, which takes some getting used to. After three months it works – but at first you will keep pressing the heated steering wheel button by mistake.
MegaConsole, center drawer, holds up to 17 liters contents. Enough for a laptop, a bottle of water and a sandwich for on the go. Seats upholstered in artificial leather Sensico, are comfortable, beautifully profiled, with a 3D pattern and ambient lighting that creates the feeling that you are sitting in something special. The cabin is wide, clear and above all – silentAlthough the battery slightly raises the floor and thus the legs, the seats still allow for comfortable seating even on longer journeys.
Trunk At 450 liters, it may be smaller than the Tesla Model Y, but it's still quite satisfactory. There's extra space under the floor for cables and other accessories, although – unlike the Tesla – the front »fruit" you won't find. It's as if Ford is telling you: Things happen behind here, not in front..
On the road: not the calm before the storm, but silence as a luxury
When Ford Explorer Electric (2024) It doesn't have the classic engine sound, but it makes up for the lack of noise with an exceptional harmony and calmnessThe higher seating position allows for excellent visibility, and the suspension softly absorbs road irregularities – at least on smooth roads, as tested in Slovenia.
The AWD version responds quickly and confidently. It's not a sports car, but it can still entertainThe steering is precise, yet light. B-mode allows for almost exclusive single-pedal driving, which is very welcome in an urban environment. The whole experience gives the impression that Ford has finally found balance between comfort, performance and usability.
While driving, I was surprised by the distinctly different character of the car compared to the model ID.4, despite the common basis. Explorer offers a completely different driving experience – more dynamic, but still characteristically “Ford”. Those of you who have ever driven Ford Focus or Fiesta, you know what I'm talking about.
Of course, not all aspects are perfect. Most functions are controlled via the display, there are very few physical buttons. To open the rear windows, you first have to press an additional button – a small thing that can be annoying. Certain solutions are very minimalist. Also driver interface avoids too many submenus, but this makes some functions less accessible or a bit hidden.
Conclusion: Explorer, opening a new chapter
Ford Explorer Electric (2024) is not a nostalgic look into the past, but an ambitious step forward. It comes as a response to the needs of today - with a range that surpasses most competitors, with an interior that impresses with its usability and digital experience, and with a design that, despite its boxy base, looks modern and confident. Somehow it even looks prestigious in a way, because that's the feeling the author of this article got.
Can Ford seriously threaten Tesla and Volkswagen with this model? If we consider only the numbers, then definitely. Intermediate version with a range of 602 kilometers (WLTP) is among the best in its class. The AWD also delivered an interesting figure of 22 kWh per 100 kilometers, and on a fast charger it pulled around 180 kWh with a high average curve of around 120 kWh, which means that you will need around 28 minutes from 10 to 80. You can also start the battery preheating manually, which is great. In addition, the navigation works well and can plan smartly with the filters that an EV needs for normal travel at selected fast chargers - for example IONITY. In addition, the driving characteristics are pleasant - even excellent for this type of car, the spaciousness is excellent, and what is crucial for a modern driver - it is present the feeling of sitting in something special. And that's exactly what impressed me. This Explorer wants to be more than just a Ford.
Prices? From approximately 45,000 euros in the EU for the model RWD Extended Range 77 kWh – which can be “understood as a useful entry model” – up to approximately 58,000 euros for the fully equipped version AWD PremiumIt's not cheap – but for many, that will be the price of freedom, comfort and a green conscienceAnd for a car with enough range so that you won't lack for anything. So that you can easily drive 300 km of highway and skip one IONITY charging station.
Ford Explorer Electric (2024) so it's not just an electric SUV. It's proof that Ford can adapt – and that it can do it very good.
