Navigating Ford Explorer EV Rumors: Unveiling Delay and Technical Insights

Exploring the Delay: From Autumn to Summer 2024
Rumors swirl around the anticipated release of the all-new, all-electric Ford Explorer, suggesting a significant delay from its initially projected Autumn debut to the summer of 2024. The culprit behind this postponement, according to sources, lies in the need for the vehicle to align with new European technical standards.

Ford-Volkswagen Collaboration and Shared Platform
This electric marvel is a collaborative effort between automotive giants Ford and Volkswagen, sharing the ID.4’s MEB platform. Despite this shared foundation, Ford has chosen to postpone production to ensure compliance with an upcoming UN regulation focusing on the standardization of battery safety regulations.

Design Dynamics: A Unique Stance

Diverging from the friendly-faced ID. models, the Ford Explorer presents a stockier, more aggressive stance. While wider than its German counterpart, it is 124mm shorter in length and 40mm shorter in height, contributing to a distinctively squat appearance. The vehicle’s design features blade-like LED headlights connected by a trim piece referred to as the “coast-to-coast” panel by lead designer Jordan Demkiw. The silver scuff plate and body cladding running the length of the car are highlighted by Ford as elements reinterpreting the “assertive and rugged appeal of Ford’s iconic [Explorer] SUV” specifically for the European market.

Model Range and Power Variants
The Explorer range is set to kick off with a 168bhp rear-wheel-drive model, equipped with a 55kWh (52kWh usable) battery offering a predicted range of up to 218 miles. Climbing up the range, Ford introduces a more potent 282bhp single-motor variant, featuring a larger 82kWh (77kWh usable) battery. This version boasts an impressive 335-mile range and elevates the maximum charging speed from 130kW to 170kW, aligning with cutting-edge VW technology.

Battery Technology: CATL’s Lithium Iron Phosphate

Ford’s strategic battery choices add an intriguing layer to the Explorer EV narrative. The company plans to incorporate CATL’s lithium iron phosphate batteries with cell-to-pack technology, a move already announced for models like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. In a bid to optimize costs, Ford may deploy LFP batteries in select configurations of the Explorer EV. While these iron-based batteries are more economical, safer, and longer-lasting than traditional lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries, concerns arise regarding their range and weight suitability, particularly in larger, three-row models like the Explorer EV.

In summary, the Ford Explorer EV rumors bring forth a complex narrative, weaving together delays, design differentiators, and strategic battery choices. As enthusiasts eagerly await its eventual debut, the anticipation is heightened by the promise of a unique electric SUV experience, forged through the collaboration of industry leaders and a commitment to cutting-edge technology.