Today, Ford is hosting its 2021 Capital Markets Day, a virtual presentation with investors outlining the automaker’s plans for the future. So far, we’ve been treated to a host of new information, including the fact that Ford is planning to once again increase its investment in electric vehicle technology through 2025. But while speaking with investors, CEO Jim Farley also revealed that a Ford Explorer EV is in the works, too.
This doesn’t come as a huge surprise, given the success of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the large amount of interest customers have expressed in the Ford E-Transit and Ford F-150 Lightning. Farley has also recently talked about his desire to electrify Ford’s most iconic nameplates, including, the Ford Bronco. The Explorer is one of Ford’s longest-running, most successful current models, so a Ford Explorer EV makes perfect sense, particularly when the automaker is eyeing an all-electric transition in both Europe and North America in the coming years.
Currently, Ford produces hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Explorer, though the latter is not sold in North America. The regular hybrid model utilizes Ford’s 3.3L Duratec 33 gas engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Explorer PHEV pairs the automaker’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine with an electric motor, generator, and 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery to produce 450 horsepower and 608 pound-feet of torque.
Presumably, a Ford Explorer EV could trump the PHEV’s already impressive output, much the same way the F-150 Lighting will be the most powerful, quickest accelerating model in the Ford F-Series lineup. Farley did not provide any additional details about this future model during his speech, but we’ll certainly be paying close attention to the matter and reporting back as soon as we have more.
We’ll have much more on the all-electric Explorer soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Oh, please no!!! They really need to understand that the reason people like Tesla is because of the new futuristic products, with cool new feature. People don’t want an explorer with a battery in the floor. They should make a dedicated 3 row crossover, completely separate from the explorer. Something new and exciting.
People really do not want electric vehicles either. It is just the govermant ramming down peoples throats
Huh. That’s news to me. I specifically chose the Mach E over the Bronco Sport without any help from the government.
Keep the bogus conspiracy theories out of here please. Electric cars have been around since the early 90s. Btw I wasn’t aware the “gOvErMaNt” was forcing anyone to buy anything other than insurance for your vehicles and licenses to operate them. It’s not illegal to buy and drive an ice vehicle so your whole statement was just completely f’ing wrong. Stop spreading stupid, it’s way too contagious in this era
Just a comment from a hardcore Explorer gal (I’ve had six) about the 2020 Explorer new design.
What happened? It used to be a pretty car, and the front of it still is. The rear of the Explorer looks like an afterthought – like when it was time to continue the design, everyone went to lunch! So incredibly plain. The mini chrome plate with the Explorer name is in such contrast to the full, end to end plate on the 2019 and earlier.
I came out of my 3 year 2017 lease ready for my 2020, but was so disappointed in the bland rear end design, I opted instead for the tried and true and pretty 2019 model. The 2020 Explorer can now be easily mistaken for any other SUV. It is no longer a distinct vehicle. So disappointed..
Now that BEV are becoming as fast and faster than their ICE counterparts…. the market will move to embrace them. Heck, even dinosaurs will come around eventually! On the style front, I wish FORD would launch more ‘halo’ cars/SUV ‘s, something right out of Buck Rogers. Small quantities, high price, leading edge tech and major bragging rights for the future.
An electric Ford GT would be the best candidate since it would beat many of the gasoline super cars yet cost much less to buy and operate with little maintenance except tires. And the tires will be replaced with Michelin’s UPTIS which is perfect for electric cars.