Ford Explorer EV hits the UK… better battery, longer range… worth it?

Discussion
1

The Explorer EV is finally here in the UK, boasting a bigger battery and longer range. What’s everyone thinking about it?

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2

Does anyone else find the timing of this launch odd, considering the push for smaller EVs in Europe?

3

Jade said:
Does anyone else find the timing of this launch odd, considering the push for smaller EVs in Europe?

UK environmental groups always seem to have a bone to pick…

^sponsored ^by ^BP

4

Jade said:
Does anyone else find the timing of this launch odd, considering the push for smaller EVs in Europe?

Even if it’s electric, SUVs like this are still a problem. They’re dangerous for pedestrians, take up too much space in tight city streets, and use more energy compared to smaller EVs.

5

@Jesse
True, but this is aimed at crossover drivers. Crossovers are the new default, even in Europe.

6

@Jesse
It’s barely bigger than a Focus in width and length. Sure, it’s heavier and less efficient, but most buyers are switching from gas crossovers, not sedans.

7

Ira said:
@Jesse
It’s barely bigger than a Focus in width and length. Sure, it’s heavier and less efficient, but most buyers are switching from gas crossovers, not sedans.

And that extra weight? It’s probably close to 2,000 pounds more than those cars.

8

Jade said:
Does anyone else find the timing of this launch odd, considering the push for smaller EVs in Europe?

Let’s not turn this into a drama fest, please.

9

Jade said:

Jade said:
Does anyone else find the timing of this launch odd, considering the push for smaller EVs in Europe?

Let’s not turn this into a drama fest, please.

Fair point, but it’s hard not to ruffle feathers when talking about SUVs.

10

Jade said:
Does anyone else find the timing of this launch odd, considering the push for smaller EVs in Europe?

Electric SUVs still aren’t a win for the environment.

11

Finnley said:

Jade said:
Does anyone else find the timing of this launch odd, considering the push for smaller EVs in Europe?

Electric SUVs still aren’t a win for the environment.

Nothing mass-produced is eco-friendly, but compared to gas SUVs, this is a step up.

12

@Conn
There’s still the issue of tire pollution: https://grist.org/transportation/electric-vehicles-are-a-climate-solution-with-a-pollution-problem-tire/

13

Sawyer said:
@Conn
There’s still the issue of tire pollution: https://grist.org/transportation/electric-vehicles-are-a-climate-solution-with-a-pollution-problem-tire/

I know about that… but unless people give up personal vehicles entirely, this is still better than gas alternatives.

14

Spec-wise, it’s solid, but over £50k for the top trim puts it against tough competition. Also, not sold on the styling—looks like something a kid might sketch. Curious to see how it performs in real-world tests.

15

@Ari
Pretty sure this is just a Volkswagen ID.4 with a Ford badge slapped on.

16

Kellan said:
@Ari
Pretty sure this is just a Volkswagen ID.4 with a Ford badge slapped on.

It’s built on the MEB platform like the ID range, but the boxy design is all Ford.

17

Ari said:

Kellan said:
@Ari
Pretty sure this is just a Volkswagen ID.4 with a Ford badge slapped on.

It’s built on the MEB platform like the ID range, but the boxy design is all Ford.

But isn’t it made in the same factory as the ID.4?

18

@Kellan
That doesn’t mean much—factories produce multiple models. It’s not like they’re identical.

19

Ari said:
@Kellan
That doesn’t mean much—factories produce multiple models. It’s not like they’re identical.

If they’re made on the same line, they’re likely more similar than you think. Look at the Honda Prologue and Chevy Blazer EVs.

20

@Kellan
Fair point, but it doesn’t explain why Ford went with such a boxy look.