This is the Ford Explorer EV. Join us as we take it on a road trip!

The Ford Explorer EV has arrived in the UK, and it’s already making waves as a highly versatile, family-friendly electric SUV. Combining Ford’s rugged design heritage with cutting-edge German engineering from Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the Explorer EV promises to deliver style, practicality, and technology in equal measure.

The Ford Explorer EV is more than just another electric SUV. It’s a statement vehicle that blends Ford’s bold American design language with a refined European touch. Built in Cologne, Germany, on VW’s MEB platform—the same architecture underpinning the VW ID.4 and ID. Buzz—the Explorer EV combines rugged aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering.

But how does it perform in real-world conditions? To find out, we took the Ford Explorer Premium trim on a road trip to one of Britain’s most beloved attractions—the Blackpool Illuminations.

At first glance, the Explorer commands a second look, with its wide stance, imposing grille, and sleek LED headlights give it a powerful presence. While the grille is largely cosmetic its been designed to look like a Shield (in fact, that’s what Ford call it) and it pays homage to Ford’s SUV heritage.

In the Premium trim, the Explorer adds gloss black accents, and a panoramic sunroof. We had optional 21” alloy wheels, elevating its style even more. It’s an SUV that looks just as comfortable navigating city streets as it does parked at a scenic viewpoint.

Ford offers the Explorer EV in two trims:

•             Select: The entry-level option, perfect for budget-conscious buyers.

•             Premium: The top-tier trim we tested, loaded with tech, luxury, and enhanced styling.

The Premium trim includes standout features like premium seats, advanced infotainment, and additional safety systems. If you’re looking for the full Explorer experience, it’s worth the upgrade.

Ford claims the Explorer EV offers a range of up to 300 miles, making it ideal for road trips, but it’s worth keeping an eye on what this EV can actually deliver, as at one point, we were getting a range of around 380 miles. Now that’s impressive. On our journey to Blackpool and back, we comfortably covered the distance with just one charging stop, getting home with plenty of range to spare.

The Explorer EV’s cabin is where Ford’s design expertise truly shines. It’s a space that feels both practical and luxurious, offering everything you need for a comfortable journey. The Premium trim features supportive, plush seats with premium materials. The driver’s seat even includes massage functionality—a welcome treat on long trips. The panoramic sunroof brightens the interior, creating a welcoming environment for passengers.

At the heart of the Explorer’s interior is a 15” portrait touchscreen, running Ford’s latest SYNC Move infotainment system. It’s intuitive and responsive, with customizable widgets that allow you to tailor the interface to your preferences. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, making it easy to sync your smartphone for navigation, music, and hands-free communication. The system also includes advanced voice controls, so you can adjust settings without taking your hands off the wheel.

Safety is a top priority for Ford, and the Explorer is packed with features to make every drive safer and easier:

•             Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the car ahead.

•             Lane Keep Assist: Gently steers you back into your lane if needed.

•             360-Degree Camera: Provides a bird’s-eye view for effortless parking.

•             Pre-Collision Assist: Alerts you to potential hazards and applies brakes automatically.

The Explorer offers 450 litres of boot space with the seats up, expanding to 1,400 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. It easily accommodated our luggage, snacks, and coats for the road trip, with room to spare. Another plus is that Ford has included a range of smart storage options, from door bins to a hidden compartment behind the touchscreen. Multiple USB ports (both USB-C and USB-A) ensured that both of our iPhones stayed fully charged so we were ready to capture all the glitz and glamour of the lights on display!

Ford’s goal is to make electric vehicles accessible without sacrificing the rugged spirit that defines its brand. The Explorer achieves this, offering families an EV that’s practical, stylish, and ready for adventure, and this is where this electric Explorer comes into its own, as it’s a key player in Ford’s ambitious transition to an all-electric future. Built on Volkswagen’s proven EV platform, it’s a testament to how collaboration can result in something truly innovative. We had to wait a little longer to see the Explorer, but it was definitely worth the wait!

The Illuminations themselves are a British institution, drawing visitors from across the country. With the Explorer’s modern design and bright LED lighting made it a fitting companion for the festive atmosphere. The Explorer EV blended seamlessly with the dazzling spectacle of the Illuminations, with its near-silent electric drive, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of the display without contributing to local emissions—a win-win all round.

So the question to ask yourself is this – Does the electric Ford Explorer Shine? Absolutely. From its rugged design and cutting-edge tech to its spacious interior and real-world practicality, the Ford Explorer EV delivers on every front. Our road trip to the Blackpool Illuminations proved that this SUV isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a reliable, versatile companion for any journey.

 

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