American legacy automaker Ford confirmed plans to start the production of its new Explorer electric vehicle in Europe in June 2024, Automobilwoche reports, citing a company spokesman.
The unnamed source reportedly told the local publication that initial customer deliveries would immediately follow in August, following an almost eight-month production delay.
Delivery delay
In hindsight, Ford originally planned to deliver the all-electric Explorer to its first European customers at the end of last year. However, the company decided to postpone the compact e-SUV’s market launch to do some upgrades to meet new European battery standards.
“Ford supports the upcoming European standard for electric vehicles because it is in line with our internal philosophy of delivering high-quality and safe vehicles to our customers worldwide. This means that the new Explorer will now be delivered to customers from summer 2024.”
Ford spokesperson said in a statement last year
What’s currently known about the Explorer EV?
Ford initially introduced the electric counterpart of its most popular SUV model, Explorer, in the European market in March 2023.
The all-electric Explorer is set to become the first model under the partnership it formed with German automaker Volkswagen in 2020 for the MEB platform. It is also the first model to undergo production at its retooled Cologne factory.
Ford boasts that the Explorer EV “combines German engineering with striking American style.” It features an enormous movable touchscreen, a 470-liter storage, and the company’s advanced driver assistance technology.
The compact electric SUV will offer two trims, including the Explorer and Explorer Premium. The entry-level trim will apparently have a base price of sub-$ $50,000 (€45,000).
Automotive News Europe reported Ford’s target of electrifying its entire passenger portfolio in the European market by 2030, which is 5 years ahead of the EU’s traditional combustion engine-powered car sales ban deadline. Therefore, the Explorer EV will significantly aid the brand’s efforts to sell 600,000 units per year in Europe by 2026.
