Ford's Most Iconic SUV Goes All-Electric for the European Market

Ford Motor on Tuesday announced its first completely new electric car designed solely for the European market and stated that it would use the well-known Explorer nameplate to attract popularity.

The EV crossover is part of Ford's aim to switch over to an all-electric portfolio in Europe by 2030.

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With the exception of the Explorer name and a few style cues, the upcoming car has very little in common with either the gas-powered SUV sold in the United States or the plug-in hybrid SUV now on sale in Europe. The name is part of the business's plan to use its "most famous" brands, such as the Mustang Mach-E crossover and the F-150 Lightning, for EVs.

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Ford stated that it did not intend to sell the midsize electric crossover in the United States. Ford's facility in Cologne, Germany, is one of two vehicles using the all-electric "MEB" platform from the VW Group that are anticipated for Europe.

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The midsize electric crossover will not be sold in the United States, according to Ford. It is one of two cars employing the all-electric "MEB" platform from the VW Group that Ford has at its Cologne, Germany, factory.

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With Volkswagen's platform, the Detroit carmaker anticipates producing twice as many electric cars as originally anticipated during a six-year period beginning in 2023. By 2026, projections call for 600,000 electric cars to be sold in Europe.

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When sales begin later this year, Ford said the Explorer EV will be available in two trim levels: Explorer and Explorer Premium, with a starting price of fewer than 45,000 euros (about $48,250). The business chose not to share the anticipated range and other performance data.

Automotive News reports that Ford has stated it intends to make more use of its American heritage in the branding and design of European passenger cars.

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Martin Sander, general manager of Ford's European EV division, said in a release that "Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles." "Steeped in our American roots, but made in Cologne for our clients in Europe, it is fully loaded with everything our customers will need for daily rides and road trips-ready for the big adventures."

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Ford's promotion of EVs coincides with a restructuring of its European operations that has so far resulted in thousands of job losses. The carmaker is aiming for a "leaner, more competitive cost structure" in the area, according to Ford executives.