The Ford Explorer still refers to a large SUV in the brand’s home market, U.S., but here in the UK, it has been replaced by a fully electric compact SUV.
Introduced in March 2023 and launched the following year, the Euro-focused version has been thoroughly upgraded with improvements across key parameters for the 2026 model year.
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, we had a chance to take a close look at the new Ford Explorer Electric ‘Collection,’ learning about all its changes in detail.
The most crucial upgrade in the new Explorer Electric is the replacement of the 52 kWh NMC battery pack with a 58 kWh LFP unit in the base configuration, which has increased the range by approximately 17%.
Where the old battery pack delivered a WLTP range of 233 miles, the new one allows travelling up to 273.4 miles, also as per WLTP.
The 58 kWh LFP battery pack takes 26 minutes for a 10-80% DC charging session, just one more minute than the 52 kWh NMC unit.
Pro Power Onboard allows customers to utilise the energy stored in the battery pack to power external devices or charge light-duty EVs, such as a bike, for instance. The output for this bi-directional charging function is limited to 2.3 kW.
Ford has also replaced the rear-mounted motor that produced 125 kW (168 bhp) and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque in the base configuration with a new unit that develops 140 kW (188 bhp) and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft.) of torque.
This upgrade has reduced the 0-62 mph acceleration time by 0.7 seconds to 8.0 seconds, although the top speed is still 99 mph.
The new ‘Collection’ trim, which is featured in this story, has brought several cosmetic changes to the Ford Explorer Electric. Customers can specify it in an exclusive Cactus Grey paint and with new 20-inch satin black alloy wheels. Black skid plates and roof and unique door and rear pillar graphics further distinguish the Collection trim.
Inside, the Collection trim features Black Onyx colour, contrasted by orange accents on the lower soundbar, seat sides, and seatbelts. Also unique to this trim are a black and orange speckled effect on the dashboard and centre console, and a 2D knit seat insert.
The infotainment system of the updated Explorer Electric features a new Android-based operating system that has a refreshed design and offers expanded views for parking and navigation.
The new Explorer Electric’s driver assistance technologies come with expanded features. Reversing Assist records the path for up to 50 metres and automates steering. Park Assist with Memory can log up to five different parking scenarios and fully automate the entire parking process.
Driver State Assist checks for the driver’s attentiveness, and on detecting no driver input, brings the vehicle to a halt, and if the situation continues, unlocks the doors and calls the emergency services. Ford has also made one-pedal driving standard across the Explorer Electric range.
In the UK, the new Ford Explorer Electric’s prices start at GBP 33,685 and go up to GBP 39,615.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
