Ford has officially unveiled its new Explorer electric vehicle (EV), the first in a series of new models set to celebrate the brand’s “American roots”.
The new model was unveiled just over a month after the US car manufacturer revealed its strategy to “revitalise” its business in Europe through the creation of a leaner, more competitive cost structure and an “unapologetically American” new line-up of passenger vehicles.
The Explorer – set to become Ford’s second zero-emissions vehicle, after the Mustang Mach E – claims to be “ideal for exploring the city and beyond”, however not details of its potential electric range have been revealed.
Ford said that the Explorer serves up 450 litres of boot space and has an electric drivetrain capable of charging from 10% to 80% capacity in 25 minutes, however.
It also features a 15-inch movable, tablet-style infotainment screen.
To help demonstrate the Explorer’s capabilities, Ford has teamed up with travel adventure influencer Lexie Alford – known to millions as Lexie Limitless and the youngest person to visit every country in the world – for a global expedition in the new all-electric Explorer.
Inspired by original female explorer, Aloha Wanderwell, who set a record 100 years ago with a Ford sponsored round-the-world trip in a Model T, Alford will lead a new round-the-world expedition beginning later this year.
Ford’s European transformation plan, unveiled last month, will see the business shift its focus towards EVs and commercial vehicles.
The move will result in the loss of 3,800 jobs across the regions, with around 1,300 expected to be axed in the UK.
The new Explorer model is set to be built at the brand’s factory in Cologne.
