The countdown is over: now the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid is getting ready to tread the streets of Europe. This 'electrified' version combines the EcoBoost V6 3.0 petrol engine with an electric motor, a generator and a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged via an external power source and while the SUV is in movement, through regenerative braking. This allows him to unleash 457CV and 825Nm of torque: it is the most powerful hybrid vehicle in the Ford range.
Equipped with the Ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with 10-speed automatic transmission and the Terrain Management System with seven different driving modes, the new generation engine offers the possibility to carry seven passengers in a comfortable environment, to tow up to 2,500 kg and allows you to travel 48 km NEDC (42 km WLTP) in electric mode, ensuring efficiency in fuel consumption and emissions (71 g / km in the WLTP cycle).
The technologies available, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring and the new Reverse Brake Assist, contribute to making the driving experience more intuitive and less stressful.
The Explorer Plug-In Hybrid features a B&O premium audio system with 14 speakers, 10.1-inch touchscreen, with Tri-Zone electronic temperature control and FordPass Connect integrated modem, for a always relaxing and connected environment.
The electric motor allows the Explorer to move with zero emissions and the driver can choose how to make the most of the battery autonomy, choosing between the EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge modes. When the batteries drop to the minimum charge level, the Explorer automatically goes into EV Auto mode, combining the power of the petrol engine with that of the electric motor, using the recovered energy and thus optimizing consumption.
It takes less than 5 hours and 50 minutes to fully charge the battery from an external 230 volt power source, while less than 4 hours and 20 minutes is required via the Ford Connected Wallbox or at a public charging station. Like the 10-speed automatic transmission, which further optimizes fuel efficiency, so the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive uses adaptive learning algorithms to continuously modulate the reactions of the SUV ensuring exciting and refined performance.
The Terrain Management System technology then allows customers to adapt their driving experience to the various types of road and weather conditions, through the selectable driving modes (Normal, Sport, Trail, Slippery, Tow / Haul, Eco and Deep Snow and Sand). Each of them has a dedicated graphic representation on the 12.3 '' display located on the dashboard. Hill Descent Control, the descent aid system, supports driving in off-road conditions.
Explorer makes the most of its imposing size by offering the luxury of space to all occupants (up to 7).
With almost a meter of headroom for all three rows and more than 1.5 meters for the shoulders of the occupants of the first and second row, each passenger can enjoy excellent interior habitability. In addition, all occupants can benefit from the features dedicated to comfort: five 12 volt power points, two USB ports for the first and second row, 12 cup holders and the Tri-Zone automatic climate control.
The Easy Fold Seats system with Power Raise for the lowering of the seats in the third row and the new Easy Fold Seats system for those in the second row allow to obtain a flat loading surface of 2,274 liters. The interior offers 123 liters of cargo space, inside the cabin, where occupants of all 3 rows can easily store personal items.
The Plug-In Hybrid Explorer, in Italy available in a single version, features stylistic elements that define its decisive and modern design. The 20 '' matt black alloy wheels, satin finish of the front grille, the bars on the roof and the frames of the satin doors, while inside, on the dashboard, there are wooden inserts.
