No, and no.
The new all-electric Ford Explorer will not be sold in the U.S. And there are no immediate plans to do so.
Ford announced plans Tuesday to build an electrified version of its iconic SUV for Europeans at the Ford Cologne EV Centre in Germany. The automaker touts the projects as a marriage between German engineering and American style.
Reservations opened Tuesday and orders will be accepted in the fall.
Just weeks ago, Ford announced it would be making big changes in Europe to focus on its popular American heritage products with a push into all-electric vehicles in a part of the world that is rapidly adopting EV technology.
These are the highlights of the all-new all-electric Ford Explorer, according to the automaker:
- What it’s like inside: Fully-loaded infotainment system, a 15-inch movable screen, wireless phone chargers and advanced driver assistance plus a private locker for valuables and 4.5 gallon central console that may be used to stow larger items such as a laptop computer. Also, assisted lane changing, a massaging driver’s seat, heated seats and a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and a hands-free tailgate that opens with a kick beneath the rear bumper.
- Seating: The midsize crossover SUV, which seats five people across two rows.
- Charging: Up from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes, based on computer engineering simulations. Rates vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge.
- Unique design feature: It has a “shield” design” instead of a traditional grille.
- Test driving: Customers in Europe may take a virtual test drive through various landscapes from desktop and mobile devices starting Tuesday. The vehicle will be sold as rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.
- Availability: Production will start in 2023 with first deliveries toward the end of 2023.
- Driving range: Revealed closer to on-sale date
- Cost: Available as the Explorer and Explorer Premium, it may be ordered starting later this year, with pricing expected to fall below €45,000 (equivalent to approximately $48,000 U.S. dollars) plus delivery fees
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This is all part of a Ford’s goal to offer consumers choices through an all-electric portfolio by 2030.
This electric Explorer contributes to the 600,000 electric vehicle global production run rate Ford is targeting by the end of 2023 and an ambition for 2 million EVs per year by the end of 2026, Ford spokeswoman Emma Bergg told the Detroit Free Press.
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There are no plans to export the electric Explorer to other markets at this point, she said. Ford is focusing on ramping up F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E and Transit production in the U.S., Bergg said.
What to watch
Ford said it 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.”
The project is inspired by Aloha Wanderwell, who set a record 100 years ago with a Ford-sponsored round-the-world trip in a Model T, Ford said. Alford will lead a new round-the-world expedition beginning later this year.
Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Read more on Ford. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid.