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Ford Explorer EV Premium Extended Range Review: A New Benchmark for Electric SUVs

The 2024 Ford Explorer EV Premium Extended Range reimagines the iconic Explorer as a state-of-the-art, all-electric SUV tailored for the European market. Manufactured in Cologne, Germany, and distributed exclusively in Europe, this EV model embraces the robust and confident personality synonymous with the Explorer name, while sporting more aerodynamic lines and finer details to signal its contemporary electric identity.

Compared to its traditional gasoline-powered American counterpart, the Explorer EV is considerably shorter—by nearly one meter—and narrower, resulting in more agile handling and easier maneuverability in urban environments. The vehicle is equipped with advanced LED headlights that lend a futuristic flair and showcase Ford’s latest design language, while the refined grille and distinctive alloy wheels add further to its modern appeal.

Cabin Comfort and Technology: Elevated Luxury for Everyday Driving

Inside, the Ford Explorer EV exudes spaciousness and luxury through its use of premium materials and intelligent technology. The seats feature supple leather upholstery and ergonomic design to provide lasting comfort on extended journeys.

Dominating the dashboard is a massive 15-inch adjustable touchscreen which runs the Ford SYNC 4 infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear seating area is generously sized, offering ample legroom ideal for families and long-distance travelers. The trunk provides 470 liters of cargo space, expandable up to 1300 liters with the rear seats folded, allowing for hassle-free transport of large items or gear for a weekend getaway.

Performance: Dynamic Electric Powertrain

Under the hood, the Ford Explorer EV Premium Extended Range RWD is powered by a rear-axle electric motor delivering 286 horsepower and 545 Nm of torque. This SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about seven seconds—a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size.

The 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the Extended Range configuration enables a real-world driving range of up to 450 kilometers on a single charge, with reported values in Eco mode reaching up to 602 kilometers under ideal conditions. For day-to-day use, the Explorer EV’s impressive range fits both urban commutes and lengthy road trips, while mixed driving scenarios yield a reliable coverage of around 450 kilometers, including highway stretches.

Charging Capabilities: Fast and Flexible

One of the Explorer EV’s standout features is its rapid charging ability: at fast-charging stations, the vehicle can recharge its battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes thanks to its compatibility with up to 150 kW DC chargers. This makes the SUV an excellent choice for frequent travelers who value minimal charging downtime. In addition to fast charging, the Explorer EV supports overnight home charging using standard 10A outlets, typically requiring 8–10 hours for a full recharge—a perfect solution for users who prefer charging convenience at home.

Driving Experience and Advanced Safety

The driving experience in the Ford Explorer EV is defined by comfort and composure. The adaptive suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections and maintains assured driving dynamics, even over rougher city terrain or light off-road excursions.

Among its advanced safety and driver assistance technologies, the vehicle features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, parking assistance, and Ford BlueCruise for semi-autonomous highway driving—though the system still requires driver supervision for full safety. Additional aids such as emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and sophisticated stability control further elevate driver confidence, especially in urban traffic scenarios.

Market Position and Practical Considerations

Positioned firmly in the premium SUV segment, the Ford Explorer EV is set to rival established electric competitors like the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3 by blending Explorer heritage with cutting-edge EV performance.

While its spacious dimensions can pose parking challenges in compact urban areas, the model’s robust range and flexible charging make it an adaptable choice for families and long-haul drivers. Notably, the European charging network continues to expand, but some regions may still face coverage limitations that could affect long-distance travel planning.

Conclusion: Explorer Stands Tall Among Electric SUVs

The Ford Explorer EV Premium Extended Range adeptly unites the rugged charm and SUV tradition of the Explorer family with the advantages of modern electric propulsion. Its spacious, refined interior, reliable long-range capability, and full suite of advanced safety technologies make it a compelling solution for both families and those with travel ambitions. As the electric SUV segment matures, the Explorer EV is poised to shine as a benchmark of Ford’s commitment to a sustainable and dynamic automotive future.

Road-Tripping Greater London with the Ford Explorer EV: Real-World Adventures

Our recent excursion with the Ford Explorer EV Premium Extended Range took us through the diverse landscapes surrounding London. Whether navigating residential streets, rural country lanes, or bustling motorways, the Explorer EV consistently impressed across every setting. From leafy suburbs to open countryside, the vehicle’s compact European dimensions and agile handling made it easy to maneuver—even where parking and tight turns can challenge larger SUVs.

Real-World Range: Efficiency That Goes the Distance

One of the highlights of our trip was the Explorer EV’s dependable range performance. Even during full days of travel, often with five passengers aboard and luggage stowed, we saw real-world figures close to Ford’s official claims, regularly exceeding 400 kilometers between charges in mixed driving conditions. The ability to cover longer distances without frequent stops offered both convenience and peace of mind, especially when exploring areas where charging infrastructure might be less dense.

Comfort and Cabin Space: Perfect for the Group

Traveling with five people proved no challenge for the Explorer EV’s spacious interior. The rear seat accommodations provided generous legroom for adult passengers in all positions, delivering comfort on both short commutes and extended outings. Thanks to the flexible cargo setup and foldable rear seats, our group had ample space for bags, picnic gear, and everything needed for a full day out—never once feeling cramped or needing to compromise on what to bring.

Adapting to Varied Road Conditions

Throughout Greater London, we encountered everything from smooth urban tarmac to winding B-roads and moments of challenging weather. The Explorer EV’s adaptive suspension delivered a composed, quiet ride over all surfaces, minimizing jolts and ensuring that group conversation and music playback went undisturbed. Safety and driver assist features like lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and responsive navigation added confidence in both dense traffic and on open highways.

Impressions: Why We Loved the Explorer EV

From excellent range to adaptable comfort and superior handling, the Ford Explorer EV proved itself a truly reliable electric SUV for group adventures in Britain’s metropolitan and semi-rural environments. Standout tech features, a premium cabin, and accessible charging during stops all contributed to hassle-free travel for everyone onboard. After crisscrossing London’s outer boroughs, our group agreed: the Explorer EV is perfectly suited for active families and groups seeking green transport without sacrificing practicality or enjoyment.

2025 Ford Explorer EV Premium Extended Range RWD Specifications

Motor

Motor Type: Electric motor, RWD
Displacement: N/A
Maximum Power: 286 hp @ N/A rpm
Maximum Torque: 402 lb-ft @ N/A rpm
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, direction selector
Battery: 77 kWh lithium-ion, 288 cells

Dimensions & Other Technical Data

Length: 14 ft 7.9 in (176 inches)
Width: 6 ft 1.6 in (73.6 inches)
Height: 5 ft 4.2 in (64.2 inches)
Wheelbase: 9 ft 1.0 in (108.9 inches)
Front Tires: 235/50 R20
Rear Tires: 255/45 R20
Curb Weight: 4,828 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 5,899 lb
Trunk Capacity: 18.9 cubic feet, expandable up to 50.2 cubic feet
Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A gallons

Performance

Top Speed: 112 mph
0-62 mph Acceleration: 6.4 s (factory), 6.1 s (measured)

Consumption Data

Own, measured results (average use)
City: 14-18 kWh/62 miles
Highway: 14-18 kWh/62 miles
Combined: 14-18 kWh/62 miles
Factory measured results
City: N/A gal/62 miles
Highway: N/A gal/62 miles
Combined: N/A gal/62 miles
CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km

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