- Ford updates Explorer and Capri with new battery chemistry.
- 52 kWh LFP battery adds up to 70 km (52 miles) of extra range.
- Output climbs to 187 hp with an 8.0-second 0–100 km/h time.
Sluggish demand is putting pressure on Ford’s European EV strategy, as two of its newest models struggle to gain traction. The Explorer and Capri have fallen short of sales expectations across the region, prompting the company to scale back shifts and lay off workers at its Cologne factory in Germany.
To rekindle buyer interest in its VW-based EVs, Ford has upgraded the Standard Range versions with added power and extended driving range.
More: The Ford Explorer Just Got A Makeover You Won’t See In America
The 2026 Ford Explorer and Capri Standard Range look the same as before, but benefit from hardware upgrades under the skin. The 52 kWh battery has the same capacity but now features lithium iron phosphate technology, unlocking more range.
According to Ford, the WLTP range figures have been increased by up to 70 km (52 miles). More specifically, the Explorer can travel 444 km (276 miles) between charges, and the more aerodynamic Capri has a range of 464 km (288 miles).
Acceleration Gets a Modest Bump
Furthermore, the rear-mounted electric motor is now making 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. This represents an increase of 20 hp (15 kW) and 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) compared to the outgoing Standard Range models, allowing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint to be completed in 8 seconds flat (-0.7 seconds).
More: VW’s Killing The ID.4 To Bring Back A Familiar Name
Those suffering from range anxiety can still get the Extended Range RWD, which comes with a bigger 77 kWh battery and a more powerful 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) motor, or the flagship Extender Range AWD with a 79 kWh battery and dual motors producing 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS).
The Ford Explorer was introduced in 2023, followed by the Capri in 2024. Both models are produced at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany, following a multi-billion-dollar investment to convert the historic Fiesta plant into an EV hub.
Ford has yet to announce pricing for the updated EVs. In Germany, the current Explorer and Capri start from €39,900 ($47,600) and €42,400 ($50,700) respectively. It remains to be seen whether the improved specs will lead to increased customer demand.
What’s Going on With the Competition?
Meanwhile, over at Volkswagen, the German brand is preparing to replace the ID.4 with a refreshed model named ID. Tiguan, while quietly retiring the ID.5.
Ford’s rivals in the segment continue to grow, with the list including the Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic E-Tech, Nissan Ariya, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Peugeot E-3008, Opel Grandland Electric, Citroen e-C5 Aircross, Jeep Compass Electric, and the ever-present Tesla Model Y
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