Ford has announced that the launch of the all-electric Explorer SUV in Europe will be delayed by approximately six months. The SUV, which is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, was originally scheduled for introduction in early 2024. However, the delay is due to new global safety regulations for drivetrains, which will come into effect soon. Ford has decided to postpone the launch to ensure that the vehicle complies with these regulations. The new safety standard, UN Regulation 100.3/ ECE-R 100.3, is in line with Ford’s philosophy of providing high-quality and safe vehicles to customers worldwide. As a result, the electric Explorer will now be delivered to customers from summer 2024.
The European Union has also introduced additional mandatory assistance systems for all new cars starting in 2024. Newly homologated vehicles have been required to comply with these regulations since July 6, 2022, and older vehicles will need to comply from 2024 onwards.
Due to the delay, the Ford Explorer EV will only be available for purchase by customers next summer. Ford had already started taking non-binding pre-orders for the electric Explorer since its unveiling in March 2023. The automaker has not released specific powertrain details yet, so it remains unclear which components Ford is obtaining from Volkswagen and how the electric Explorer differs from other MEB-based models.
However, Ford did mention that the Explorer EV will offer ”responsive and refined” rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive battery-electric powertrains. It will also have fast charging capabilities, with DC fast charging times from 10 percent to 80 percent taking as little as 25 minutes. The base price of the vehicle is expected to be under 45,000 euros ($49,600) when orders open, which is likely to be in early 2024.
Ford’s Electric Explorer Debut in Europe Delayed by Six Months - UPDATE
In a surprising turn of events, Ford Motor Company has announced a delay in the European release of their highly anticipated electric version of the Ford Explorer SUV. This delay adds another six months to the waiting period, leaving European customers eager to get their hands on this eco-friendly vehicle disappointed.
Originally scheduled for release in late 2022, the launch of Ford’s electric Explorer has encountered unforeseen challenges. The company cites supply chain constraints and the global semiconductor shortage as the primary reasons for the delay. These factors have caused disruptions across the automotive industry, affecting the production and delivery of vehicles worldwide.
Ford had initially aimed to bring the electric Explorer to the European market to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation options. With strict emission regulations and an increasing interest in electric vehicles among consumers, Europe has become a crucial market for automakers seeking to establish a strong foothold in the green mobility sector.
The delayed debut of the electric Explorer in Europe is undoubtedly a setback for Ford’s electrification strategy. The American automobile manufacturer has been actively investing in electrifying its vehicle lineup to meet environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainable transportation. The electric Explorer is a key component of Ford’s global electrification plan and an essential flagship model in their electric vehicle portfolio.
However, it is important to note that Ford is not alone in facing delays and obstacles in launching electric vehicles due to the global chip shortage. Numerous other automakers, including industry giants such as General Motors and Volkswagen, have also experienced similar setbacks. The shortage of semiconductors, which are vital components in modern vehicles, has disrupted the industry’s supply chain and impeded the production of electric vehicles on a large scale.
Despite this delay, Ford remains committed to their plans for electric mobility. The company recently announced a substantial investment of $22 billion in electrification efforts through 2025, highlighting their determination to lead in the transition to a sustainable future. This investment will enable Ford to develop and produce a wide range of electric vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks, to cater to the diverse preferences of customers worldwide.
As Ford reassesses its production plans to mitigate the impact of the supply chain challenges, loyal customers and enthusiasts across Europe patiently wait for the electric Explorer to eventually arrive on the continent. The delay, while disappointing, serves as a testament to the immense complexities of the automotive industry and the unprecedented circumstances it currently faces.
In conclusion, Ford’s electric Explorer’s debut in Europe has been delayed by six months. The global chip shortage and supply chain constraints have proven to be formidable hurdles that the American automaker, along with many others, must navigate as they strive to fulfill their commitments to sustainable transportation. Despite the delay, Ford’s firm dedication to electrification signifies the company’s determination to lead the industry’s shift towards a greener future.