Earlier this year, we learned that Ford intends to offer extended range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains for a variety of its “most popular and profitable vehicles,” including the Ford Super Duty, along with a line of unnamed crossovers and SUVs. Such a move makes sense given the fact that pure EVs leave a bit to be desired when it comes to hauling heavy loads across long distances, and EREVs combine larger battery packs with gas generators to solve that particular problem. Now, it seems as if a Ford Explorer EREV may be in the works, too.
“But we’re starting to see different kinds of hybrid that customers are excited about,” Ford CEO Jim Farley stated during a recent appearance on Bloomberg Television. “EREVs, which go about 100 miles, all electric. But then you can take a 700 mile trip once in a while. Those look really promising for a three row crossover like Explorer or some of our trucks.”
This is the first time that Farley has mentioned the possibility of a Ford Explorer EREV, specifically, after noting that the company’s “larger family haulers” would be the focus of partial electrification in the near future as the automaker works to offer some sort of hybrid across its entire Blue lineup by 2030. Though it just unveiled a new Bronco model in China with an EREV powertrain option, Ford doesn’t expect to do the same in the U.S. until 2027, however.
The Ford Explorer hybrid wasn’t included in that model’s recent refresh for the 2025 model year, but it has seemed inevitable that such a powertrain will return at some point in the near future. That’s especially true after The Blue Oval canceled plans to build a pair of new three-row all-electric crossovers that were never named publicly, though it’s believed that they were set to be EV versions of the Explorer and Lincoln Aviator.
Comments
I would without any doubt buy an EREV. I already owe one (an Opel Ampera/Chevy Volt). But I would only buy it if it´s a sedan. If it´s an SUV or a crossover, then I wouldn´t buy it. I prefer to buy another Chevy Volt or a Cadillac ELR with this technology, even if used, but an SUV or a crossover, never.
I have to agree…start the move back to car platforms…it’s about time.
This dude’s got a serious EV over-obsession, like Mary does.
Problem is Mary Barra recognized the errors of her ways and is putting money back into ICE vehicles. This guy’s doubling down on EVs when the market is stagnating.
GM…you mean the only automaker without a single hybrid and dozen EV crossover?