The launch of the Explorer Electric Nightmare shows everything Ford gets wrong when it comes to electric vehicles

I asked Amko Lennart, Ford Europe’s design director, why Ford used VW’s wretched controls in both the Explorer and Capri, and he told me that Ford worked with a partner to improve the response on the sliders (but he didn’t tell me how), then admitted: ” “We tried to improve it a little bit – and I think we did – but at the same time, it is what it is now that VW is our supplier in certain parts, and at that time we had to make that choice.”

It’s a great shame, because these decisions, made on balance sheets and in boardrooms, could absolutely kill luxury cars. In the case of the Explorer, this goes double because it is a good electric car, quiet on the road, has good range and a distinctive, great exterior.

Courtesy of Ford

I argue that the delay in the project meant that the Explorer and Capri missed their chance and that better rival options came at the wrong time for Ford – but by focusing on range above all else, and trying to cut corners in development over time, the gamble never quite paid off. And then trying to get away with paying nearly £54,000 (about $68,500) for the top-of-the-range model, things get a little trickier.

Jim Farley is a smart guy, and I’m sure he looked at the Explorer and Capri, then back at his Xiaomi, and realized there was a better way for Ford to approach EVs than to dress up competitors’ platforms. But then there’s the UK’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, which requires this at least in 2025 A quarter of new cars Sold by zero-emissions UK manufacturers. Ford needs to sell more electric vehicles, and fast. This is a difficult circle to square.

I know the focus at Ford is on hybrids right now, but given the successes of the F-150 Lightning and Mach-E, all the elements to celebrate in the EU-only Explorer, I’m hopeful we’ll see more full EV action From the company in 2025. Just make it made by Ford, and affordable – and it’s sure not to lose.