Ford Explorer and Capri get LFP battery
As the first models based on Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive Toolkit, Ford's two E-SUV models are getting LFP batteries.
(Image: Ford)
Licensees rarely get technical changes first. In the collaboration between Volkswagen and Ford, this is the case with this innovation: The base version of the E-SUV models Explorer and Capri, which use Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive Toolkit as their technical basis, will receive an LFP battery and a revised drive. Step by step, what Ford specifies as technical data is likely to find its way into Volkswagen Group's electric cars. This has both advantages and disadvantages for customers.
The new battery has a usable energy content of 58 kWh and thus slightly more than the previous base model. The cell chemistry is being switched to lithium iron phosphate. This composition offers slightly lower energy density in terms of weight and volume, but is cheaper to produce and is considered robust. Ford also advertises the change by stating that the battery can be permanently charged to 100 percent without capacity loss.
DC charging power decreases
The change in cell chemistry has two direct consequences for the customer. Firstly, the operating temperature at which the battery can be charged fastest is slightly higher with LFP cells than with the previously used nickel-manganese-cobalt cells. Preconditioning the battery cells will therefore tend to require more electricity. In addition, the charging power decreases. Previously, a peak charging power of 145 kW was possible; now it is 110 kW. Ford states a charging time of 28 minutes for charging from 10 to 80 percent. This results in an average net charging power of 87 kW in this window.
At the same time, a new e-motor is being installed, which delivers 140 kW and is expected to consume less than its predecessor with 125 kW of power. Together with the slightly larger battery, the WLTP range increases to 433 to 464 km in the Capri and 410 to 444 km in the Explorer. Ford specifies the consumption in the cycle as 14.8 to 15.7 kWh (Capri) and 15.4 to 16.4 kWh in the Explorer.
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Volkswagen is likely to follow suit quickly
Both the drive and the LFP battery are expected in various Volkswagen models. At Skoda, the previous base models in the Elroq (Test) and Enyaq have been temporarily removed from the program. Both will likely be available again soon with the powertrain presented here. For the ID.3 and ID.4, which is to be called ID.Tiguan, after the upcoming facelift, we also expect the switch to the LFP battery and the 140 kW motor during the course of the year.
List prices vs. Market
Ford offers the combination of the new battery and the strengthened motor in both e-SUVs in two equipment lines. This means the Explorer costs at least 39,900 euros according to the current price list, and the Capri is officially available for 42,400 euros. However, Ford is currently offering a discount of 5000 euros for everyone. Together with government subsidies, a new Explorer can be had for less than 30,000 euros under certain circumstances.
(mfz)