Test review DrivOlution FORD Explorer Premium 77 kWh Extended Range RWD

Drive

Platform - VW MEB

The new electric Explorer uses the VW MEB platform. MEB stands for 'Modular E-Antriebs Baukasten'.

Battery capacity - choice of 3 versions

• the Explorer^® 52 kWH Standard Range RWD: the version with the smallest battery capacity of 55 kWh (52 kWh usable), rear-wheel drive, boasts 125 kW (170 hp) of power and 310 Nm of torque. Good for an electric driving range of 384 km (WLTP).
• The Explorer^® 77 kWh Extended Range RWD: as the name suggests, this version has a battery capacity of 82 kWh (77 kWh usable). Still rear-wheel-drive. Power rises to 210 kW (286 hp) and torque is 545 Nm. This version will get you around 602 km (WLTP).
• the Explorer^® 79 kWh Extended Range AWD: if you prefer all-wheel-drive (AWD) then opt for this version. Battery capacity is even a tad higher at 84 kWh (79 kWh usable). A little more power 250 kW (340 hp) and 679 Nm of torque. The AWD lusts slightly more electricity, causing the electric driving range to drop to 566 km (WLTP).

Uitvoeringen - Standard & Premium

The Premium version is the more luxurious version including. Matrix LED headlights, automatic high beams with anti-glare technology, 20" Light alloy wheels - tyres 235/50 R20 front 255/45 R20 rear, hands-free electric boot lid, front door sill guards, LED ambient lighting, interior in Sensico®, Sync Move with 14.6" movable touchscreen, radio with DAB+ and 11 B&O speakers, Bluetooth, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with steering wheel controls and USB connection.

Driving modes - 4 (5 AWD)

The new Explorer features 4 driving modes:

• Eco: the ideal driving mode when you focus on efficient (economical) driving and maximising the driving range.
• Normal: the driving mode for everyday driving. Here you have the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. Is also the default driving mode when starting up the car.
• Individual: for a personalised driving experience. You can adjust the vehicle systems to suit your personal preferences.
• Sport: for sports enthusiasts. In this driving mode, you have enhanced performance, handling and power pedal response.
• Traction (AWD version only): this improves vehicle traction in difficult conditions such as snow, ice or slippery surfaces.

Want to drive even more efficiently? Then you can use the efficient driving mode. This uses predictive route information based on navigation data and sensors from the driver assistance system. For example, it has when it is best to stop accelerating and it adjusts braking energy recovery according to the driving situation. An indicator light on the dashboard displays symbols such as foot of the power pedal, vehicle on the road, intersection on the road, exit, roundabout, left or right turn, slope on the road and a speed limit.

Recuperation - D/B

Here we find the well-known D/B principle. The strength of the recuperation depends on the position of the power pedal and the selected driving mode (D or B). Requires some practice in the right foot.

Depending on the driving mode selected and the settings in the infotainment, the car recovers differently:

• Driving mode D selected and Efficient driving mode deactivated: no recuperation.
• Driving mode D selected and Efficient driving mode activated: automatic recuperation. The recuperation strength is selected automatically depending on the navigation data and the traffic situation.
• Driving mode B selected: strong recuperation (one-pedal-driving).

The results - general

After 750 test kilometres, we arrive at a combined test consumption of 18.2 kWh/100km , spread over 17 recorded trips. If you can keep to this trip consumption, it is sufficient for an electric driving range of 423 km*, taking into account an average outside temperature of 6°C. Let's take a closer look at the results.

The results - per road type

• In terms of trip distribution, we see an equal number of trips taken on motorway and out of town. As far as motorways are concerned, we arrive at an average consumption of 17.4 kWh/100 km, good for a driving range of 443 km*.
• Outside the city, on secondary roads, this results in a combined consumption of 19.6 kWh/100 km. If you can maintain this consumption, you can cover 393 km*.
• Only once did we venture into city traffic: here we stranded on a consumption of 13.4 kWh/100 km. In terms of driving range, this means 575 km*.
• The lowest consumption achieved is 13.4 kWh/100 km and the highest is 39.1 kWh/100 km (short journey of 9 km).

The results - by driving mode

Essentially, during the trips we concentrate on efficient driving making Green Mode the predominant driving mode.

• In 7 out of 17 trips, we chose Eco driving mode. It yielded a combined consumption of 16.0 kWh/100 km.
• the Normal driving mode (8 out of 17 trips) yielded a consumption of 21.1 kWh/100 km.
• the Individual driving mode we chose only once. It yielded a consumption of 17.2 kWh/100 km respectively.
• Just a short drive in Sport driving mode yielding a consumption of 14.7 kWh/100 km.

Consumption - general

Let's take a look at how the Ford Explorer performed on our 103 km test course. After the three sections (out of town, motorway and city), we arrive at a combined test consumption of 14.9 kWh/100 km. Taking into account the usable battery capacity of 77 kWh, this would correspond to an electric driving range of 517 km*. This at an average outdoor temperature of 7°C.

Consumption per road type

• the suburban section (secondary roads) of 43.0 km yields a consumption of 13.6 kWh/100 km, resulting in a driving range of 566 km*.
• on the motorway section of 40.4 km, we arrive at a consumption of 17.8 kWh/100 km which is good for a driving range of 433 km*.
• the city journey of 20 km is good for a consumption of 13.4 kWh/100 km, which gets you 575 km* on a charge.

Driving range evolution

We start with a driving range of 413 km and an SoC of 80%.

• After the out-of-town drive, the driving range drops to 383 km (-30 km) and the SoC is 72% (-8%).
• The motorway journey drops the driving range further to 327 km (-30 km). The SoC is 63% (-9%).
• After the city drive, we are left with 316 km of driving range (-11 km) with an SoC of 59% (-4%).

The total trip of 103 km ended up costing 97 km of driving range. The SoC dropped by 21%.

Internal on-board charger

The Ford Explorer® features an 11 kW internal on-board charger. The DC charging capacity is up to 135 kW. 

Recharges

We charged the Ford Explorer® a total of 3 times.

• Charging sessions AC: 2
• Charging sessions DC: 1

Information charging process - for the driver

As a driver, you are sufficiently informed about the evolution of the charging process. You can read the following information on the screen:

•  
• Load end (hh:mm)
• Load capacity (kW) and loaded kilometres per minute
• Estimated driving range (km)
• SoC (%) current
• SoC (%) load percentage set

Pre-conditioning - yes

Via the charging plan, you can easily set the desired departure time (max. you can programme three departure times).

Load percentage adjustable - yes

The charge rate (SoC) can be set via the on-board computer or via the app.

Optimisation quick charge

You can select this function to prepare the high-voltage battery for the next DC charge if possible. This reduces charging times.

Ford Pass App

Unfortunately, we have not been able to fully try out the app.

Driving

The Explorer drives comfortably. Quite noiseless.

Interior

When you get into the Explorer, a bit of a feeling of déjà-vu does overwhelm you. This becomes especially apparent on the five-inch small driver information screen that we are also familiar with from the VW. Nevertheless, the Explorer has a less minimalist look than VW's rival. The interior exudes tranquility. The finishing is fine.

Infotainment

A nice touch, however, is that the screen features a special function. Behind the vertically sliding screen is a hidden compartment that Ford calls the "Private Locker". This secret compartment is ideal for protecting valuables from prying eyes. An innovative idea that also allows you to tilt the screen and adjust it to your liking. Moreover, two USB-C ports are present in this handy space.

Boot space - transforming from 536 L to 1,422 L

The word 'frunk' is still somewhat unfamiliar to our Euopean constructors. So no storage space under the bonnet. Otherwise, this Explorer is a real family SUV though.

This Explorer uses a sophisticated array of technical systems that accurately map the interior and exterior of the car. Twelve ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and three radars have been carefully installed to enhance driving safety. These technologies are designed to warn you of approaching cyclists, obstacles on the road, vehicles in the blind spot and even to signal signs of driver fatigue, reducing the risks of accidents.

The driving assistance systems work pleasantly without being too pushy.

Further present:

• Blind Spot Information System
• Clear Exit Warning
• Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking
• Driver Alert
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
• Lane Departure Warning - Lane-Keeping Aid
• Pre-Collision Assist
• Rear-View Camera - Reverse Brake Assist
• Selectable Drive Modes
• Traffic Sign Recognition - not pure trust. Is a tool. Speeds are not always displayed correctly.
• Wrong Way Alert - untried
• EXPLORER PREMIUM - Dynamic Matrix LED headlights with Glare-Free Highbeam

Based on trip consumption and usable battery capacity, we can simulate the (theoretical) driving range. Although this is always a snapshot, it gives a clear picture of how far you could theoretically drive at a given consumption. Of course, various factors can influence these results. 

If we compare the consumption results achieved with the manufacturer's WLTP figures, we score less well, Weather conditions and especially the outside temperature have a negative effect on the driving range. One constant, however, is the driving style adopted.

It is important to point out that the figures obtained are always a snapshot. Numerous factors can influence these results.