The Ford Explorer EV, introduced in June 2024, marks a bold step in Ford’s electrification journey, specifically designed to appeal to European consumers. This compact crossover SUV brings together the confident, rugged styling of American SUVs and the precise, reliability-focused engineering for which German manufacturers are renowned.
Built on Volkswagen’s advanced MEB platform, the Ford Explorer EV benefits from a state-of-the-art electric architecture that supports efficient energy use and robust performance, making it well-suited for both urban and rural driving conditions across Europe. Its design balances aesthetic appeal with practicality, featuring streamlined lines and a dynamic stance that conveys strength and modernity.
Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge technologies ensures enhanced safety, connectivity, and user-friendly driving experiences, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions in the region. Overall, the Explorer EV represents Ford’s commitment to delivering innovative electric vehicles tailored to the diverse preferences of the European market.
Key Features
- Powertrain: The vehicle features a refined powertrain that offers both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations to optimize performance and traction across diverse driving conditions.
- Battery Options: It is equipped with flexible battery choices, available in either a 55 kWh or an 82 kWh lithium-ion capacity, allowing buyers to balance cost, range, and performance.
- Range: According to WLTP testing, this model can deliver a driving range of between 346 km and 522 km on a single charge, providing reliable daily usability ([Wikipedia], [Le Monde.fr]).
- Interior: The interior is designed for modern connectivity and comfort, featuring a 14.6-inch adjustable touchscreen complemented by a 5.0-inch digital instrument display for an enhanced user experience ([Wikipedia]).
Production takes place in Cologne, Germany, with the Explorer EV positioned between the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 in size.
Puma Gen-E: Electrifying A Bestseller
The Puma Gen-E, unveiled in December 2024, represents Ford’s innovative electric evolution of its well-known compact crossover. Assembled in Craiova, Romania, this model preserves the celebrated practicality and spacious design of the original Puma while integrating advanced electric powertrain technology for superior efficiency.
It offers impressive performance, a competitive range, and modern connectivity features, appealing to tech-savvy drivers seeking an eco-friendly yet versatile urban vehicle. Overall, the Puma Gen-E excels.
Specifications:
The Ford Puma Gen-E combines efficient electric performance with practical design, making it a strong contender in the compact EV segment. Below are the key specifications that highlight its capability, range, and everyday usability.
Motor:
The Puma Gen-E employs a robust front-mounted electric motor that delivers 169 PS, offering a balanced combination of dynamic performance and efficient power output suited for everyday driving. This powerful motor is designed to provide smooth acceleration, ensuring quick response times during city commutes and effortless overtaking maneuvers on highways.
Additionally, its efficient design optimizes energy consumption without compromising performance, which translates into reduced running costs over time. Advanced thermal management systems help maintain optimal operating temperatures during prolonged use, ensuring reliability and durability.
The motor’s compact installation also allows for increased interior space and improved vehicle aesthetics, making the Puma Gen-E a practical yet dynamic option for urban and suburban drivers alike.
Battery:
Equipped with a 46.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack—with an effective usable capacity of 43.6 kWh—the vehicle achieves an optimal balance between energy storage and weight reduction. This advanced battery setup leverages high-density cells and a sophisticated battery management system that not only ensures steady power delivery but also maximizes thermal regulation and longevity.
Its design supports rapid charging capabilities, enabling a charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 23 minutes, which minimizes downtime. Additionally, the efficient energy-to-weight ratio enhances overall driving dynamics, extending the daily driving range while preserving acceleration performance and vehicle handling.
This thoughtful integration of battery technology plays a critical role in delivering an efficient, high-performing electric driving experience.
Performance:
The electric crossover accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.0 seconds, reflecting a well-tuned powertrain and lightweight construction that optimizes performance. This impressive acceleration is achieved through a synergistic blend of a high-torque electric motor, an efficient battery system, and a chassis built with advanced lightweight materials.
As a result, the Puma Gen-E offers dynamic responsiveness that enhances its competitiveness not only on open highways but also in urban traffic scenarios.
The brisk acceleration contributes to a confident driving experience, enabling rapid merging into traffic and agile maneuvering through complex road conditions, while also highlighting Ford’s commitment to delivering both efficiency and performance in its EV lineup.
Range:
According to WLTP standards, the Puma Gen-E offers a combined range of 376 km, which can extend up to an impressive 523 km in city driving conditions. This extended city range is largely attributed to favorable stop-and-go traffic patterns and the vehicle’s advanced regenerative braking system, which captures and reuses energy typically lost during braking.
The intelligent energy management system further optimizes battery usage, enhancing overall efficiency and preserving range in dense urban environments. This range flexibility makes the Puma Gen-E an ideal choice for a variety of drivers.
For city dwellers, it provides the convenience of fewer charging stops during the week, while suburban commuters benefit from a range that comfortably covers round-trip journeys without range anxiety.
The model’s energy-efficient design also supports sustainability goals by reducing the need for frequent recharges, thus contributing to lower energy consumption and operating costs.
With an expanding European charging network and the Puma Gen-E’s compatibility with DC fast charging—achieving 10% to 80% charge in just around 23 minutes—drivers can confidently take on longer trips while maintaining the seamless mobility experience expected from a modern electric vehicle.
Charging:
Featuring a robust 100 kW DC fast charging system, the Ford Puma Gen-E can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in just around 23 minutes, significantly reducing wait times during long trips or busy schedules.
This swift charging capability not only enhances daily usability but also positions the Puma Gen-E as a practical option for both urban commuters and weekend travelers. The convenience of rapid recharging addresses one of the most common concerns associated with EV ownership—range anxiety—by allowing drivers to get back on the road with minimal delay.
In addition, the fast charging system is compatible with most public charging networks, giving users access to thousands of stations across Europe. This ensures that the Puma Gen-E is not just an eco-friendly choice, but also one that fits seamlessly into a fast-paced lifestyle, offering the flexibility and freedom expected from a modern electric crossover.
The Puma Gen-E also boasts a 574-liter boot space and a 43-liter front trunk, enhancing its utility.
Strategic Shifts: Delays And Cancellations
Ford has recently revamped its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, making significant alterations to its product roadmap in response to evolving market conditions and technological challenges.
Notably, the automaker has canceled plans for a three-row electric SUV—a model that would have expanded its family-oriented offerings—as market demand shifts toward more efficient and versatile designs.
Additionally, Ford has postponed its next-generation electric pickup, known as Project T3, until 2027. These strategic adjustments aim to prioritize cost-effective battery sourcing and improve the overall economics of Ford’s EV platforms.
By delaying some projects and discontinuing others, Ford is better positioning its future product lineup to meet consumer needs, reduce production costs, and secure a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing automotive landscape where efficiency, price competitiveness, and technological innovation are paramount.
Conclusion
Ford’s post-Mach-E electric ventures, including the Explorer EV and Puma Gen-E, demonstrate the company’s strategic shift toward a diversified EV lineup. These models mark a clear commitment to electrification, reflecting Ford’s intent to capture different market segments and meet varied consumer demands.
By introducing vehicles that blend SUV practicality with electric efficiency, Ford is expanding its product range and adapting to evolving regulatory and consumer trends. Although some projects have encountered delays, the continued investment in these electric models signals resilience and a forward-thinking approach in an increasingly competitive and dynamic automotive landscape.
This diversification strategy reinforces Ford’s role as a key player in the global transition to clean mobility, ensuring it remains agile and responsive to future challenges.
