The new 100% electric Ford Explorer has been put on sale in Europe after achieving a new record. Adventurer Lexie Alford officially set a record on Tuesday, becoming the first person to travel around the world in an electric vehicle using the new 100% electric Ford Explorer.
The Explorer’s incredible journey crossed six continents, passed through 27 countries, and covered over 30,000 kilometers, all using only electric energy. Facing power cuts in Africa, lack of charging infrastructure in the Atacama desert in Chile, unpaved roads, mountain passes, and icy conditions, the feat proved what is possible with an electric vehicle.
The unit Lexie used for this challenge was a pre-production version of the Ford Explorer, a model that is now available for ordering.
The new Explorer is Ford’s first 100% electric passenger vehicle developed and built in Europe, combining German engineering, American style, and a premium specification, including battery electric powertrains for zero emissions while driving, and up to 602 km of range on a single charge.
The Explorer is presented with an option of rear-wheel drive motorization with a 286 hp power engine and 585 Nm of maximum torque, which is powered by a 77 kWh battery that allows a range of up to 602 km.
On the other hand, the all-wheel drive variant features two electric motors, one per axle, delivering a combined power of 340 hp and a torque of 585 Nm on the rear axle and 134 Nm on the front axle. The two motors are powered by a 79 kW battery, which allows a range of up to 566 km.
Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 26 minutes, using fast charging up to 135 kW for the rear-wheel drive variant and 185 kW DC for the AWD version.
In addition to about 470 liters of combined storage, including the 17-liter MegaConsole and the My Private Locker security present in the cabin, all Explorers include the SYNC Move infotainment system, with a 14.6” adjustable central touchscreen that can be raised and lowered in an arc of over 30 degrees.
Also standard are the heated steering wheel and front seats, the driver’s seat with massage function, and wireless phone charging. The interior design includes sport seats with integrated headrests and a soundbar, to enjoy audio played through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices, also connected wirelessly.
Ford has already announced that the new 100% electric Explorer will be the first vehicle to be assembled at the brand’s Electric Vehicle Center in Cologne, following a $2 billion investment, and that the price of the extended range version starts at €53,000.
