The Ford Explorer Electric does not exist yet, but Ford has committed to an all-electric version

Ford has not released a fully electric Explorer as of now. The current Explorer lineup includes traditional gas engines and a hybrid option, but no battery-electric model. However, Ford's electrification roadmap includes plans for an electric Explorer, though the company has not announced a firm release date or pricing.

If you are shopping for an electric SUV in the Explorer's size class right now, you will need to look at competitors from other manufacturers. If you are specifically interested in Ford's electric future, understanding what the company has said about upcoming models and how the current Explorer compares to existing electric alternatives will help you decide whether to wait or explore other options.

Key Takeaways

  • Ford has not yet released an all-electric Explorer, though the company has stated plans to build one at some point in the future.
  • The current Explorer comes with gas and hybrid powertrains, but neither is battery-electric.
  • Electric SUVs in the three-row, mid-size category are available now from Tesla, Volkswagen, Kia, and Hyundai if you need that vehicle type today.
  • Waiting for the electric Explorer means delaying a purchase decision by an unknown amount of time with no confirmed specifications or price.

What Ford has said about an electric Explorer

Ford announced in 2021 that it would develop an electric version of the Explorer, but the company has not provided a specific launch year or detailed specifications. Ford's public statements have focused on its broader shift toward electric vehicles, with the company committing to invest billions in EV development. The Explorer electric has been mentioned as part of that long-term strategy, but it remains one of many planned models without a confirmed timeline.

Ford's track record with electric vehicle delays is relevant here. The company initially promised an electric F-150 (the F-150 Lightning) for 2022, then pushed the date back multiple times before finally delivering it in 2024. This history suggests that even when Ford commits to an electric vehicle, the actual arrival date can shift significantly.

The current Explorer lineup and why it is not electric

The 2024 and 2025 Explorer comes in two powertrain options: a 3.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost hybrid. Neither is a plug-in hybrid (which would allow some all-electric driving) or a fully electric vehicle. The gas version produces around 365 horsepower, while the hybrid adds electric motors for improved fuel economy in the 28–30 mpg range on the highway.

Ford's decision to keep the Explorer on gas and hybrid platforms reflects the company's current manufacturing capacity and market strategy. The Explorer is built on the same platform as the Lincoln Aviator and shares production facilities with other Ford models. Retooling those facilities for a fully electric Explorer would require significant capital investment and would likely take the vehicle offline during the transition, which is why Ford has not yet made that move.

How the current Explorer compares to electric SUVs available now

If you need a three-row electric SUV today, several options exist. The Tesla Model X is the most established, with a starting price around $55,000 to $60,000 (depending on configuration and current incentives) and a range of 348 to 348 miles on a full charge. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz, which launched in 2024, offers a more spacious interior and starts around $59,000, though it has a shorter range of around 260 miles. The Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7 (when it arrives) are also in this category, with the EV9 starting around $55,000 and offering three rows of seating.

These vehicles differ from the Explorer in important ways. They are fully electric, meaning no gas engine and no tailpipe emissions. They also have different driving dynamics — electric motors deliver torque when ready, making them feel faster off the line than the Explorer's gas or hybrid engines. Charging infrastructure, battery degradation over time, and the availability of home charging are factors that matter more with an electric vehicle than with the Explorer's current gas or hybrid options.

The cost of waiting versus buying now

Waiting for the electric Explorer means delaying your purchase by an unknown number of years. If Ford follows its pattern with the F-150 Lightning, you could be waiting three to five years or longer from the initial announcement. During that time, you would either continue driving your current vehicle (and its fuel and maintenance costs) or buy something else now.

The financial math depends on your situation. If your current vehicle is reliable and you drive it infrequently, waiting may make sense. If you are paying for gas and maintenance on an older vehicle, buying an electric SUV now — even if it is not a Ford — could save you money over the next few years. A Tesla Model X or Kia EV9 would cost more upfront than a gas Explorer, but lower fuel and maintenance costs can offset that difference over five to seven years of ownership.

What to do if you want a Ford electric vehicle now

Ford's current electric lineup includes the Mustang Mach-E (a compact crossover starting around $38,000) and the F-150 Lightning (a full-size electric truck starting around $55,000). Both are available now and have been in production for at least a year, meaning Ford has worked through early production issues. The Mustang Mach-E is smaller than the Explorer and seats five, while the F-150 Lightning is a truck, not an SUV, but both offer the electric driving experience and lower fuel costs that an electric Explorer would provide.

If you specifically need three rows of seating and an electric powertrain, the Mustang Mach-E is not a fit, and the F-150 Lightning is a truck. In that case, looking at the Tesla Model X, Kia EV9, or Volkswagen ID.Buzz makes more sense than waiting for an Explorer that may not arrive for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Ford release an electric Explorer?

Ford has not announced a specific release date. The company stated plans for an electric Explorer but has not provided a timeline. Based on Ford's history with other electric vehicles, a launch could be several years away. Contact Ford directly or check the company's official website for the most current information.

Will the electric Explorer cost more than the current gas version?

Electric vehicles typically cost more upfront than their gas counterparts, so an electric Explorer would likely start at a higher price than the current gas Explorer. However, lower fuel and maintenance costs over the vehicle's lifetime can reduce the total cost of ownership. Exact pricing cannot be confirmed until Ford releases official details.

Can I reserve or pre-order an electric Explorer now?

Ford is not currently taking reservations for an electric Explorer because the vehicle has not been officially announced with a release date. You can contact a Ford dealership to express interest, but there is no formal pre-order process available at this time.

Should I wait for the electric Explorer or buy an electric SUV now?

That depends on your timeline and needs. If you need a vehicle in the next year or two, waiting is not practical. If your current vehicle is reliable and you can wait three to five years, waiting may be worth it. Consider your fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and how much you drive when making the decision.

What is the difference between the Mustang Mach-E and the Explorer?

The Mustang Mach-E is a compact crossover with five seats, while the Explorer is a mid-size SUV with three rows and seven seats. The Mach-E is smaller and less expensive, but it does not offer the extra seating capacity of the Explorer. If you need three rows, the Mach-E is not a replacement.