Electric Explorer Is a Genius Ford/Volkswagen Mashup

• Ford has said it will electrify the popular US-market Explorer, but Europe will get the first Explorer EV based on a Volkswagen platform.

• With seating for five, standard luxury interior amenities, and a price of $48,000, the Europe-only Ford Explorer EV is set to be an upscale midsize crossover.

• Production will come from Ford's Cologne, Germany, plant, and European reservations are now open with deliveries slated for later this year.

It's a common enthusiast refrain that Europe gets all of the cool models while the US market often misses out on the best hot hatches, sporty compacts, and speedy estate cars. But a new era of forlorn American EV enthusiasts is growing these days, as European markets receive far more EV choices than their North American counterparts.

Ford's new Europe-only Explorer EV crossover is a prime example of this paradigm. Launched in a smooth, boxy shape similar to the Bronco Sport, European consumers will now have another reputable, stylish EV at their disposal. And its cross-brand construction and upscale specifications could help it succeed.

Built on Volkswagen's MEB platform, the Ford Explorer EV is the first example of Ford's strategic partnership with Volkswagen in Europe. Ford didn't provide exact dimensions, but we do know the Explorer EV will have five seats, 17 cubic feet of trunk space, and sell for about $48,000.

It will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants, with options for 19- and 21-inch wheels. It also appears to be a midsize crossover akin to the Ford Escape, which makes sense for the typically compact European car market.

Ford says this model will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes, though it has yet to reveal the battery capacity or charging speed. It's likely this model will use the battery architecture from Volkswagen's EV lineup, such as the 58.0-kWh and 77.0-kWh batteries from the Volkswagen ID.4.

Inside the new Explorer EV, consumers will find a Mustang Mach-E-style 15-inch touchscreen, a horizontal digital instrument screen, wireless app integration, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance technology including Assisted Lane Change.

Quilted-leather sport seats with heating and massaging functions will be available as well as 10-color ambient lighting. Ford also says the center console will be large enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop.

Two trim levels will be available—Explorer and Explorer Premium—as the Explorer EV goes into production in Cologne, Germany, later this year.

Reservations are open through Ford dealerships and the official Ford websites, though the model won't be delivered until later this year. To help prospective customers, Ford has set up a virtual test drive site, which shows off interior and charging functions.

It's unlikely that North American consumers will see this Explorer EV, but Ford has said it will electrify the popular US-model Explorer soon enough. This model also provides an example of the modern, stylish EVs that we could see from Ford in the future—that is, if they make it to the US.

Should Ford bring this Explorer EV to the US? Why or why not? Please comment below.