Ford is now delivering 5-star safety to electrified vehicles as the all-new Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid is awarded the maximum safety rating by independent crash test authority Euro NCAP.
The Explorer Plug-In Hybrid enhances safety for drivers, passengers and other road users with ultra-high-strength steel components developed using industry-first and Ford-patented processes, and front- and rear-facing sensor-based technologies designed to prevent or mitigate the effects of collisions.
The seven-seat SUV is powered by a combination of Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine, electric motor and generator to deliver 457 PS and 825 Nm of torque, alongside 48 km pure-electric city driving range.
“With 14 new electrified vehicles coming before the end of next year, and more than half of our passenger vehicle sales in Europe expected to be electrified by the end of 2022, Ford customers can be confident that we’ll continue to deliver first-rate safety whatever powertrain they choose,” said Joerg Beyer, executive director, Engineering, Ford of Europe.
Stronger and smarter
Euro NCAP awarded high scores to the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid for both adult and child occupant protection.
An automotive industry-first manufacturing process called 3D Roll and Sweep enabled Ford to incorporate ultra-high-strength martensitic steel tubes into the vehicle’s windscreen pillars and roofline – creating an even stronger passenger safety cell.
Sophisticated standard driver assistance technologies contributing to a 5-star safety rating include Pre‑Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Intelligent Speed Limiter, and Lane‑Keeping System.
“The standard-fit autonomous emergency braking system (Pre‑Collision Assist) performed well in tests of its functionality at the low speeds, typical of city driving, at which many whiplash injuries occur, with collisions avoided or mitigated in every test scenario,” said the Euro NCAP report.
Reverse Brake Assist holds the vehicle for 1.5 seconds before returning full control to the driver, enabling them to assess the situation before continuing their manoeuvre. A rear-view camera is also standard.
The electric motor enables the Explorer to deliver zero-emission, pure-electric driving capability, and drivers can choose when and how to deploy battery power using EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge modes. The vehicle’s battery can be charged using a charging port integrated into the front left-hand side fender and is automatically replenished on the move using regenerative charging technology that captures kinetic energy normally lost during braking.
Tags: Ford-Explorer-PHEV
