Ford Explorer & Capri: New LFP Batteries Boost Range to 444 km

Ford Explorer and Capri: LFP Batteries Revolutionize Range

Ford is transforming its electric lineup with the introduction of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries for the entry-level versions of its Explorer and Capri. The range jumps by over 60 kilometers to reach 444 km WLTP for the Explorer and 464 km for the Capri. This technical evolution comes with a 20-horsepower power gain and new Collection trims, but also safety recalls in the United States.

"This range, now exceeding 440 km, allows for intercity travel with much greater peace of mind" — Ford Europe

An LFP Battery That Changes the Game

The main news is the adoption of a new lithium-iron-phosphate battery with 58 kWh for the Standard Range versions. This technology replaces the old 52 kWh NMC pack and allows for a spectacular leap in range: +66 km for the Explorer (from 378 to 444 km) and +71 km for the Capri (from 393 to 464 km), a 17% improvement.

LFP batteries offer several advantages over traditional NMC chemistry. They don't require cobalt, nickel, or manganese, which are critical materials with volatile prices. More robust, they handle repeated 100% charges better without premature degradation. On the flip side, their lower energy density requires a slightly larger capacity to achieve the same range.

The American manufacturer confirms competitive charging times: 28 minutes to go from 10 to 80% on a 110 kW fast charger for the LFP battery, compared to 27 to 29 minutes for the 77-79 kWh NMC batteries in the higher trims.

More Power and Torque

The other notable evolution concerns the electric motor. The rear APP350 motor from the Volkswagen group replaces the old APP310 unit. Power climbs from 170 to 190 horsepower while torque reaches 350 Nm. These gains translate to a 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds for both models.

This performance improvement comes with better energy efficiency. The new motor, although identical in principle (permanent magnet synchronous machine), benefits from internal optimizations that contribute to the range gain beyond just the battery evolution.

Collection Trims to Stand Out

Ford is enriching its lineup with the new special series Explorer Collection and Capri Collection. The Explorer Collection is distinguished by its exclusive Cactus Grey paint, its 20-inch satin black wheels, its contrasting black roof, and specific front/rear protective elements.

The interior bets on a marked contrast between Onyx Black and orange accents on the seats, seatbelts, and certain elements of the dashboard. The seats feature a 2D knitted textile insert exclusive to this trim. Equipment includes the Bang & Olufsen soundbar, usually reserved for the Premium trim.

The Capri Collection follows a similar concept with its Tribute Blue color and 21-inch satin black wheels. This series pays homage to the historic victories of the original Capri at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps between 1971 and 1982, with graphic elements recalling the model's sporting heritage.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices start at 39,990 euros in Germany for the Explorer Standard Range with the new LFP battery. Ford has not yet communicated French prices, but they should remain competitive against the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, other models based on the shared MEB platform.

The Collection trims are positioned between the Select and Premium levels in the pricing hierarchy. Without an official announced price, we can estimate their cost around 45,000-46,000 euros, close to the Premium which starts at 45,985 pounds in the United Kingdom.

Safety Recalls in the United States

Alongside these good technical news, Ford is facing a safety recall that affects *