Leasing the new electric Ford Explorer in the UK

Leasing the new electric Ford Explorer in the UK

On Tuesday 21 March 2023 Ford officially made their latest innovation - the Explorer SUV - publicly live in a big press statement. Designed, and built, for European customers (via their Cologne factory), this new car will open up Ford to a more cost-effective and cheaper demographic as opposed to their current Mach-e, which is currently at the higher-end of monthly budgets for many leasing customers; the new Mach-e costs anywhere from £50,000 - £75,000 depending on the battery configuration and specification.

However, there has been a noticeable slowing up of sales in the high-end of EVs, as economic pressures have placed more constraints on many consumers. Unlike a business, with company car tax and corporation tax incentives and benefits (not to mention VAT and NI savings), the personal lease customer is not afforded the same position and will be more prudent in where they place their business.

Undoubtedly, the UK has faced a shortage of truly affordable electric car, and van, propositions with much of the manufacturer efforts seemingly placed in automotives well beyond the £45,000+ mark. But with the 2030 deadline for combustion looming, this is an element which needs addressing if this Governmental obligation is intended to be achieved. 

So how good is the new Explorer EV?

“The ultimate all-electric SUV” according to Ford, will offer an “adventure ready” experience coupled with “superior comfort” and “fast charging. While limited specifications and technical functions are not yet available in full detail, if you head to the Ford Explorer electric website -  the online test-drive provides a fairly robust overview of what is going to be produced.

With key aspects like the 14.6” movable touchscreen, secure hidden stowage, Soundbar (with precision sound), soft-touch leather, a 17L MegaConsole and ambient lighting, this is not going to be a basic EV by any stretch. And with DC (Rapid Charging) sessions of 25 minutes for 10-80%, Ford are at least recognising that charging speeds are crucial to making this a successful product.

And Ford will be offering lease customers plenty of choice, with two RWD drive options with a 52 kWh usable battery (one configured for 168bhp and the other for 282bhp) plus a 77 kWh usable battery AWD 335 bhp model too. The smaller battery is aiming to achieve around 200 - 215 miles on a full charge (combined) compared to a 300 mile+ objective for the bigger battery format. In terms of charging speeds, it is suggested that up to 170 kW DC will be achievable in order to break the quoted 30 minute rapid charging times. 

The product released to the press is without a doubt very America influenced, with the clinical box structure and truly un-European interior finish. But is this really a negative aspect? As we know, the Tesla brand have followed a more reserved and understated approach to aesthetics, with ergonomics being made the true priority. And with the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 being the best-selling EVs in the UK in 2022, who can argue with this new approach!

However, the small Ford EV SUV will not be without stiff competition and will have to prove its abilities above some existing and new options including the Volkswagen ID.4, the Kia Niro EV, the new Hyundai Kona Electric plus the upcoming (and arguably most talked about SUV) the Fisker Ocean. 

Ready to lease the all-electric Explorer? While we do not have any pricing or details available, personal, business or salary sacrifice customers can reserve their BEV on the FORD website via this link - with initial reports suggesting the first vehicles should arrive in early 2024.

Want to know more about an electric car, or van, but need expert advice or information? Just speak to our amazing team at e-car lease! 

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