Ford's Explorer Lineup Does Not Include a Fully Electric Model

Ford does not currently manufacture a fully electric Explorer. The Explorer remains a gasoline or hybrid vehicle, depending on the model year and trim you choose. If you are looking for an electric SUV from Ford, the Mustang Mach-E is the company's dedicated battery-electric option in that size class.

The Explorer does offer a hybrid powertrain starting in the 2020 model year, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery. This hybrid version uses less fuel than the standard gasoline Explorer but still relies on the engine for most driving. It is not the same as a plug-in hybrid (which can charge from an outlet) or a fully electric vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Ford makes the Explorer as a gasoline or hybrid vehicle, not as a fully electric model.
  • The Explorer Hybrid pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption compared to the standard gasoline version.
  • If you want a fully electric Ford SUV, the Mustang Mach-E is Ford's current option in that category.
  • The Explorer Hybrid does not plug in to charge; it recharges its battery through braking and engine power.

How the Explorer Hybrid Powertrain Works

The Explorer Hybrid uses a 3.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine paired with two electric motors and a battery pack. The system automatically switches between the engine, the electric motors, or both, depending on driving conditions. At low speeds or during light acceleration, the electric motors can power the vehicle alone, which reduces fuel use in city driving and stop-and-go traffic.

The battery recharges itself through regenerative braking—when you slow down or brake, the electric motors capture that energy and store it in the battery. You do not plug the Explorer Hybrid into a charger. The system is designed to manage its own power without any action from you beyond normal driving.

Ford reports that the Explorer Hybrid achieves better fuel economy than the standard gasoline Explorer across the EPA's combined, city, and highway ratings. The exact numbers vary by model year and trim level, so checking the window sticker on a specific vehicle is the most accurate way to compare.

Explorer Hybrid Availability and Model Years

The Explorer Hybrid became available starting with the 2020 model year. It is offered across multiple trim levels—including Base, XLT, Limited, and Platinum—though not every trim is available as a hybrid in every year. Availability can shift from year to year, so checking Ford's current model lineup or a dealer's inventory is necessary to see what is in stock or can be ordered.

The hybrid option typically costs more upfront than the standard gasoline Explorer, but owners may recover some of that cost through fuel savings over time. The amount saved depends on how much you drive, local fuel prices, and your driving patterns.

Comparing the Explorer Hybrid to Ford's Fully Electric Option

The Mustang Mach-E is Ford's fully electric SUV and operates on a completely different principle from the Explorer Hybrid. The Mach-E has no gasoline engine; it runs entirely on battery power and must be plugged in to charge. It produces zero tailpipe emissions during driving, whereas the Explorer Hybrid still burns gasoline and produces emissions, though less than a standard gasoline Explorer.

The Mach-E has a longer electric range (typically 200 to 300+ miles depending on the model) and can be charged at home with a Level 2 charger or at public fast-charging stations. The Explorer Hybrid is better suited for buyers who want better fuel economy without the charging infrastructure requirements or the higher upfront cost of a fully electric vehicle.

If your priority is zero-emission driving and you have access to charging, the Mach-E is the better choice. If you want to reduce fuel consumption while keeping the flexibility of a gasoline engine and no charging needs, the Explorer Hybrid is the option within the Explorer line.

Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact of the Hybrid

The Explorer Hybrid reduces fuel consumption compared to the gasoline version, which means fewer emissions per mile driven. However, it still produces tailpipe emissions because the gasoline engine runs during most driving. The environmental benefit is real but incremental—it is a step toward lower emissions, not a zero-emission solution.

The EPA rates vehicles on fuel economy (measured in miles per gallon or MPG) and emissions (measured in grams of CO2 per mile). The Explorer Hybrid typically achieves 3 to 5 MPG better combined fuel economy than the standard gasoline Explorer, though the exact improvement varies by model year and driving conditions. Real-world results depend heavily on how you drive—highway driving shows smaller improvements than city driving, where the electric motor does more of the work.

Maintenance and Battery Durability

The Explorer Hybrid's battery and electric motors are covered by Ford's warranty, which typically includes an 8-year or 100,000-mile coverage for the hybrid system components. This is longer than the standard powertrain warranty and reflects Ford's confidence in the system's durability.

Hybrid vehicles generally require less brake maintenance than gasoline vehicles because regenerative braking means the friction brakes wear more slowly. Routine maintenance—oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotation—still applies because the gasoline engine still runs. There are no plug-in charging cables or home charging equipment to maintain.

Where to Find Explorer Hybrid Information and Inventory

Ford's official website lists current Explorer models and trims, including which ones are available as hybrids. Local Ford dealerships can show you available inventory, explain the differences between trim levels, and discuss pricing and financing options. Many dealerships allow you to search their inventory online before visiting.

Third-party automotive sites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Cars.com also list Explorer inventory across dealerships in your area and provide detailed specifications, owner reviews, and pricing comparisons. These resources can help you understand what is available and what similar vehicles cost in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge the Explorer Hybrid at home?

No. The Explorer Hybrid does not plug in and does not need to be charged. Its battery recharges itself while you drive through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine. If you want a Ford SUV that charges at home, the Mustang Mach-E is the fully electric option.

How much does the Explorer Hybrid cost compared to the gasoline version?

The hybrid version typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 more than the equivalent gasoline model, though prices vary by trim level and model year. Check current pricing with Ford dealers or automotive pricing sites for the specific models you are comparing.

What is the difference between the Explorer Hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?

The Explorer Hybrid cannot be plugged in; it recharges only through driving. A plug-in hybrid (which Ford does not offer in the Explorer) would have a larger battery and a charging port, allowing you to plug it in at home or at a charger. Plug-in hybrids can drive short distances on electric power alone.

Does the Explorer Hybrid produce zero emissions?

No. The Explorer Hybrid still has a gasoline engine that produces tailpipe emissions. It produces fewer emissions than a standard gasoline Explorer because it uses less fuel, but it is not a zero-emission vehicle. Only fully electric vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E produce zero tailpipe emissions.

Is the Explorer Hybrid worth the extra cost?

That depends on how much you drive and local fuel prices. If you drive frequently and fuel costs are high in your area, the fuel savings over several years may offset the higher purchase price. If you drive less or fuel is inexpensive, the payback period may be longer. Calculate your own fuel savings based on your driving habits and local prices.