Ford and Volkswagen have been conjuring up a jointly-developed EV SUV for a while. Finally, the European Ford Explorer is here, but it just looks like a slightly revamped Volkswagen ID.4 EV. For that reason alone, we shouldn’t feel left out that the “Explorer” probably won’t be heading our way. 

It says “Explorer” but does it look like it?

Both EVs are underpinned by VW’s MEB EV platform. So it is not a refried Mustang Mach-E, which uses Ford’s Global Electrified 1 platform. Ford has separated the Euro Explorer EV from the domestic one insofar as neither shares much in the way of design cues or features. 

The Explorer EV’s overall proportions, wheel-to-body relationship, and profile all scream ID.4. Fussing around with the C-pillar and toning down some of the Explorer’s side sculpturing do their best to hide the similarities. But it is what it is. 

What’s the Ford Explorer’s powertrain like?

The Euro Explorer EV is almost two feet shorter than its American counterpart, reinforcing its non-U.S. Explorer looks. Of course, smaller cars sell much better in other parts of the world than big SUVs. Looking at the rear, though it doesn’t share design elements with the VW ID.4, it sure looks like it. 

We don’t know a lot about its performance specs. But Ford says the Explorer comes in both front- and all-wheel drive. Because of its common MEB platform, we can surmise it will offer similar specs to the ID.4, meaning a 77.0 kWh battery pack with 58.0 kWh. Figure 200 hp and 300 hp depending on motor options. 

Are there other Ford SUV EVs coming?

“Explorer is a trailblazer for a new breed of exciting Ford electric vehicles,” says Ford’s Europe General Manager Martin Sander. “Steeped in our American roots but built in Cologne for our customers in Europe, it is road trip-ready for the big adventures and fully loaded with everything our customers will need for their daily drives.” OK, then! Pricing should be under $50,000. 

Ford is also doing another MEB-based SUV for Europe. We don’t know whether this one will be a two- or three-row. Being larger and all-electric, this SUV may make its way to the U.S. at some point. Maybe as an Edge replacement? Ford has also promised it will have an electric three-row version of the Explorer soon. When that may be we still don’t know.  

What other EVs are developed by both Ford and VW?

So while we may be disappointed that this much-talked-about union resulted in an EV so similar to an existing VW product, it is a further step in Ford’s push to offer full lines of EVs in the near future. 

Ford and VW have jointly developed the next Ranger, which VW calls the Amarok. Both are expected to be released sometime this year. And rumors persist that VW will bring the Amarok here. Pickups, SUVs, and EVs are what’s selling here, so expect a flowing river of new ones over the next few years, maybe even from VW.