The European Ford Explorer Is Way Smaller, And Fully Electric

Kevin Williams
by Kevin Williams
the european ford explorer is way smaller and fully electric

This trendy EV is Europe only, at least, for now.

Similar to the United States, Ford has opted to start winding down its sedan and hatchback lineup, replacing them with crossovers and EVs. The Mondeo, (known as Fusion), Focus, and Fiesta are on the chopping block, and in its place, Ford is in part offering a brand-new EV: The Ford Explorer.

the european ford explorer is way smaller and fully electric

Yes, you read that right. Ford is calling its new Europe-only EV, the Explorer. Not to be confused with the seven-passenger full-sized SUV that we’ve come to know and love, this vehicle is far smaller. Underneath, the Ford Explorer shares a common platform with the Volkswagen ID.4. So, it’s definitely far more petite than our behemoth Explorer, but in the grand scheme of things, it’ll be about the size of every other compact crossover on sale today.

License expires ————————– 28/03/2026  License scope ————————– A – Earned editorial, press releases, press kits B – All non-broadcast digital and online media D – All print media (newspaper, magazine etc)  Copyright and image rights ————————– This content is solely for editorial use and for providing individual users with information. Any storage in databases, or any distribution to third parties within the scope of commercial use, or for commercial use is permitted with written consent from Ford of Europe GmbH only.
License expires ————————– 28/03/2026 License scope ————————– A – Earned editorial, press releases, press kits B – All non-broadcast digital and online media D – All print media (newspaper, magazine etc) Copyright and image rights ————————– This content is solely for editorial use and for providing individual users with information. Any storage in databases, or any distribution to third parties within the scope of commercial use, or for commercial use is permitted with written consent from Ford of Europe GmbH only.

Ford’s managed to shake any appearance of its VW roots on the Explorer. The exterior is stylish, almost like a rounded-off Bronco Sport. Inside, the ID.4’s touch-capacitive nonsense is gone, replaced with a 14.6-inch vertical touchscreen, that looks to run the same Sync 4 system that is in the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. And it’s got four, real power window switches, unlike the VW ID.4.

the european ford explorer is way smaller and fully electric

Otherwise, we don’t have any other mechanical specifications for the Ford Explorer. Since it’s based on the VW MEB platform, it’ll likely come with 58.0-kWh and 77.0-kWh battery packs, and power outputs that could crest 300 horsepower in dual-motor trim. The crossover will be made in Germany, and start around the equivalent of $48,000 USD.

Confusing name aside, we think the Explorer could be a real hit in the US, potentially more than what it would do in Europe. Ford could use a right-sized, traditionally-shaped EV crossover that could cater to those who aren’t so keen on the Mustang Mach-E. If sold in North America, the Explorer would go directly against the forthcoming Chevy Equinox EV, and potentially the Honda Prologue.

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Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams

Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.

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