Detroit automaker, Ford Motor (NYSE:F) told workers Thursday morning that the company will be postponing the market launch of its Cologne-built electric Explorer SUV. The launch was previously planned for early 2024, but according to a report by Cologne-based newspaper Kölnische Rundschau, has been pushed back due to new worldwide drive train safety rules.
The report doesn't clarify the exact nature of the "global safety rules" that will be implemented. Within the EU, certain extra assistance systems will become mandatory for all new cars starting in 2024. For newly approved vehicles, this requirement has been in effect since July 6, 2022. Furthermore, starting in 2024, this mandate will also extend to vehicles with older type approval. However, these regulations do not affect the powertrain.
According to the Kölnische Rundschau, the Explorer will be available for purchase by customers “next summer”. So far, only non-binding reservations are possible.
The Explorer is built on Volkswagen's (ETR:VOWG_p) MEB platform, not Ford's technology. However, when the model was introduced, Ford had yet to share technical details about the drive system. Specifics like the power for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, as well as battery sizes, are unknown.
Volkswagen's brands offer an 82 kWh gross (77 kWh net) battery for similar-sized vehicles. The rear-wheel drive produces 150 kW, while the all-wheel drive has two options: 195 kW and 220 kW, thanks to an extra ASM on the front axle.
At the moment, it is unknown exactly which components Ford is getting from Volkswagen or how the Cologne SUV model differs from other MEB models. During the debut, Ford claimed the Explorer's battery could charge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes, while Volkswagen's official factory specification has been 29 minutes.
Shares of F are up 0.51% in pre-market trading Thursday morning.