New Ford Explorer (EV)

There is only one correct paint job for an electric Ford Explorer...

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Ford’s new EV-dedicated carbon-neutral factory opens in Germany

Ford’s factory in Cologne has been the company’s pillar since 1930 - over 18 million vehicles left its production lines since it opened. Cars that were responsible for bringing motoring to the masses were made in Cologne - Ford Model A to start with, Ford Capri then Granada, and eventually Fiesta. After spending €1.86 billion on a complete revamp, Ford’s new EV-dedicated assembly plant is the next chapter in the history of Cologne’s factory.

The historical Niehl plant has been refurbished and fitted with the latest state-of-the-art technology, fully automated assembly lines, and tooling. The factory boasts an annual production capacity of 250,000 vehicles, and the first model to leave the new facility will be the brand-new Ford Explorer EV.

The Cologne EV Center, as the Niehl factory is called now, is Ford's first carbon-neutral factory. The new technology with new machines and completely new production processes are designed to minimize electricity use. Any gas and electricity supplied to the new factory, come from 100% certified renewable sources.

The all-new Ford Explorer EV should go into production shortly, and it will be joined later by Ford's next EV in the pipeline - an electric sports crossover. The new factory will help Ford to achieve its ambitious plans of manufacturing only electric vehicles in Europe by 2030. The company wants to build 2 million electric cars every year from 2026.


 
An end of an era: farewell to the Ford Fiesta is a welcome to Ford Explorer EV

July 7 will mark the conclusion of a 47-year journey for the beloved Ford Fiesta. After 8 iconic generations, Ford has made the tough decision to cease production of one of Europe's most adored superminis. This move, though saddening for Fiesta enthusiasts, is part of Ford's strategic shift towards a greener, more electric future.

Since its introduction in 1976, the Fiesta has become a household name in the automotive world. In the UK, for an impressive eleven consecutive years, between 2009 and 2020, the Fiesta ruled the roost, topping the UK’s annual list of best-selling cars. It proved that small can indeed be mighty, as its compact size did not impede its popularity. The Fiesta has been synonymous with reliability, economy, and a dash of fun, making it an enduring favorite in the new and used car markets alike.

In spite of its success, the Fiesta has seen its last days on the production line. The reason, Ford explains, is a necessary sacrifice to pave the way for their first high-volume electric vehicle, the Ford Explorer electric SUV. As explained by Martin Sander, General Manager of Ford Model E Europe, the Fiesta plant in Cologne, Germany, will undergo a complete transformation to become a fully battery-electric plant. Ford is not just reinventing its vehicle lineup, but also reinventing how it manufactures its vehicles, as it strives toward carbon neutrality.

The decision to halt Fiesta production was not an easy one. The Fiesta had faced some challenges in recent times, particularly as the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains. A semiconductor shortage in 2022 led to a six-month backlog, forcing Ford to pause Fiesta orders temporarily. Simultaneously, the automotive industry, along with consumer tastes, began to lean more heavily towards crossovers and SUVs, further cementing the decision to retire the Fiesta.

 
Ford delays electric Explorer debut in Europe

Hold your electric horses, Europe! Ford has decided to pump the brakes on the launch of its Explorer EV in the region, and it's going to be another six-month wait. While the initial excitement from the automaker's announcement had many eagerly anticipating its debut in early 2024, it seems patience will be the name of the game for a while longer. As we all know, in the automotive world, good things come to those who wait, right? (Well, we'll find out.)

The Explorer EV, crafted on the foundation of Volkswagen's MEB platform, was on the brink of commencing production after the summer holidays at Ford's brand-new Electric Vehicle Center in Cologne. It had its grand opening just in June 2023, and the workers in Cologne had been eagerly preparing for the vehicle's launch.

However, here's the plot twist: new global safety regulations for drivetrains are causing a bit of a hiccup. While the specifics of these "global safety rules" have been a tad elusive, what's clear is that Ford is keen on complying, even if it means a little delay. And if the good word from Kölnische Rundschau (a local daily) is to be believed, Ford had a heart-to-heart with its Electric Vehicle Center staff, letting them in on the decision to postpone the release.

The European Union is gearing up to enforce additional assistance systems for all cars starting in 2024. With Ford going for global compliance, maybe they're onto something. It's like ensuring your new yacht meets international standards before setting sail. Sure, it's a tad inconvenient, but better safe than sorry.

 
Ford Explorer does lap of the planet, celebrates by going on sale

New Ford Explorer becomes first EV to circumnavigate the globe, now yours for £46k

Someone in Ford’s marketing department didn’t hold back with the ‘Explorer’ PR, did they? And lo the new, very big, very electric SUV has become the first EV to do an entire lap of the world.

Piloted by adventurer Lexie Alford - who at 21 became the youngest person to visit every country on earth, no less - a pre-prod version of the Explorer has covered more than 30,000km across six continents, crossing the finish line today in Nice.

The French city was chosen as it's where Aloha Wanderwell began her journey when she became the first woman to drive around the planet between 1922 and 1927, doing so in a Model T.

“This journey came with a unique set of challenges,” said Alford, who at times had to make do with topping up at 2.2kW to make it through regions like the Atacama desert, which unsurprisingly aren’t awash with rapid chargers just yet.

 
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