FORD Explorer Electric Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Ford teamed up with Volkswagen and introduced the Explorer EV on the European market in the Spring of 2023, expanding its electric-powered vehicles lineup.

The blue-oval badged brand was eager to get a bigger slice of the EV market that was rising all over the world. In Europe, it had few EVs to offer, and it needed more time to develop a new one from the ground up. Thus, it turned its attention to Volkswagen, which already had the MEB platform used for the ID.3, the ID.4, and the ID.Buzz.

Sliced below the Mach E, the mid-size crossover Explorer was developed especially for European customers based on their driving habits. Design-wise, it looked bold, with a flat front fascia that, on a panel, sported Ford's blue-oval badge. That also concealed the radar for adaptive cruise control and other safety features. Between the upside-down L-shaped headlights and above the front panel, the automaker placed a black trim that sported the Explorer lettering on it. From its profile, the SUV-like shape was boxy, with flared wheel arches and massive 235/45 ZR 21 tires. Finally, at the back, the automaker installed another black trim with the car's nameplate lettering.

Inside, it was completely a Ford, and its most distinctive feature was the portrait-mode touchscreen for the SYNC infotainment system. This tablet could slide up and down, covering a compartment behind it for valuable items. Another big storage area was in the center console that was spacious enough to fit a 15" laptop inside. The high seatback front seats featured incorporated headrests and slightly bolstered areas. Fronting the driver was a second display for the instrument cluster. One interesting feature of the vehicle was that it didn't have any physical buttons on the dashboard, not even for the volume. In the back, there was room enough for three adults, and behind the split-folding bench seat was a 470 liters (16.6 cu-ft) trunk.

The Explorer was available with either rear or all-wheel drive systems, both provided by Volkswagen and similar to this automaker's products. The same went with the battery packs available for the blue-oval badged crossover.