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Ford’s ventures into the electric car market have hit a few speed bumps along the way. While the American automaker had initially promised a much earlier release of its VW-based Ford Explorer, recent reports suggest that the electric Explorer will finally roll out in June, with the first deliveries expected to reach customers by August.
The electric Explorer is a significant step in Ford’s transition to electric vehicles in Europe. Built in partnership with Volkswagen on the MEB platform, this SUV combines German engineering with the American style that Ford is known for. Ford has invested a substantial £2 billion into upgrading its Cologne factory to accommodate electric vehicle production.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm, Ford’s electric Explorer has faced an eight-month production delay. Originally slated for production at the end of 2023 with sales starting in early 2024, Ford pushed back the timeline due to new battery standards. This delay could prove costly for Ford, as competitors continue to launch new electric models at a rapid pace.
When the electric Explorer finally arrives, it will offer European customers two trims: the Explorer and Explorer Premium. With a base price expected to start under £39,100, it enters a segment where pricing competition is fierce. Chinese automaker BYD has already slashed prices on its electric SUV, the Atto 3, by up to 15% in Germany, raising questions about Ford’s ability to compete.
In the United States, Ford is not resting on its laurels either. The automaker has confirmed an electric three-row SUV designed for road trips, promising a spacious interior and a range of up to 350 miles. While Ford didn’t provide specific pricing details, the company is positioning this SUV as an attractive option for American consumers.
Ford’s ambitions in Europe go beyond just the electric Explorer. The company plans to go all-electric in Europe by 2035, with a lineup that includes nine EVs. The electric Explorer is expected to play a pivotal role in Ford’s goal to sell 600,000 EVs annually in Europe by 2026. However, with the delay in production, Ford may find itself falling behind competitors who are aggressively expanding their EV offerings.
Via (German)
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