The Long Charge Home with Explorer Electric

 

Part 1 – The First Leap: Embracing the Electric Unknown

Making the decision to transition from a diesel vehicle to a fully electric one is never easy—even when you're an electrical engineer working in the automotive industry. In fact, that might make it even harder. With technical knowledge comes a flood of questions, doubts, and what-ifs.

Despite years of experience, I found myself asking the same questions many others do:

Is the range truly enough? Are charging stations reliable and available when you need them? Could we end up stranded, waiting hours at a charger? Will the charging network keep up with my journey—or leave me regretting everything halfway through Europe?

And then there were the family travel concerns:

Could I tow a camping trailer with an EV? Can I charge without detaching the trailer every time?

How often will we have to stop?

Will these stops turn an exciting journey into a stressful experience for my wife, daughter, and even our dog?

I didn’t have convincing answers to all these questions. But at some point, I realised—I couldn’t stay in the “what ifs” forever. I had to take the leap, and live the experience instead of analysing it endlessly.

So, I made the switch. My trusted diesel was gone, replaced by the Ford Explorer Electric—a vehicle full of promise, comfort, and silence.

But before embarking on a multi-country, cross-continental road trip to Turkey, I did what I’ve always done as a motorcycle adventurer: I tested my setup at home.

Each year, I do a long motorcycle trip across Europe, and before that, I always head to Cornwall or Wales, loaded with gear, to see how the bike handles and if everything’s in order. Now, I had a different machine—but the same mindset.

I packed up the Explorer, attached our gear, and headed for a camping trip to Cornwall. The experience was smooth, even encouraging. But I didn’t stop there.

Knowing the risks of being unprepared on the road, I added a scissors jack (which surprisingly didn’t come with the car), and a better tyre puncture repair kit than the one included. I even tested lifting the vehicle on our driveway, just to be sure I could handle a roadside issue—even though I have RAC cover.

Because when you're driving across Europe with your family in a new kind of vehicle, you don't leave things to chance.

This is the story of what happened next. The ups, the surprises, the charging realities—and how the Ford Explorer Electric carried us from the UK all the way to Turkey.

Part 2 – From Shine to SoC: Leaving Home for Lyon

The day before our departure, I gave the Ford Explorer Electric a proper wash—part ritual, part pride. I wanted it to look its best before the first kilometres of what would be a cross-continental adventure. I also fully loaded the boot to compare its capacity to my previous estate car. Surprisingly, the boot space was more than enough, easily handling our family’s luggage, camping gear, and of course, our dog’s travel kit.

With the car charged to 100% overnight using my home wall charger, everything was ready.

Then came the rain.

We woke up to a grey sky and heavy showers—typical, perhaps, but still frustrating. Within the first few miles, my clean car was splattered in road grime. But it didn’t matter. We were finally on the move.

Trusting the Built-In Navigation

During my earlier Cornwall test trip, I had been impressed with the car’s built-in navigation system. Unlike many EV sat navs I’ve tried in the past, this one genuinely understood EV needs. It plotted logical charging points along the route and even pre-conditioned the battery before arriving at DC fast chargers—saving time and improving charging speed. That feature alone had won me over.

So naturally, I began the journey using the same in-car navigation, placing my trust in its EV-optimised route.

But the weather had other plans.

Weather, Range & Recalculations

As we travelled deeper into France, the rain brought colder air. Lower temperatures affected energy consumption, and the estimated range began to drop. The navigation system—impressively dynamic—recalculated our charging stops on the fly. One charging stop was moved to an earlier location than originally planned.

I’ll admit, this gave me a slight pang of anxiety. I didn’t share that with my wife, of course—especially since she’s the type of person who wants to refuel a diesel car when it’s still at half tank. She would not have enjoyed the sudden shift in plans.

To be safe, and to extend our range, I reduced my cruising speed from the French national limit of 130 km/h to 120 km/h. It worked well—efficient driving paid off.

Charging Along the Way

By the time we reached our first overnight stop in Lyon, I had completed three charging sessions. We arrived with 20% State of Charge (SoC) remaining—right within my comfort zone.

All the charging was done using the Ford Blue Oval Network and the RFID card provided with the vehicle. One of the DC chargers supported Plug & Charge, which was a joy to experience. No apps, no authorisation process—just plug in and walk away. The car and charger handled everything automatically. It’s the kind of seamless experience that makes EV ownership feel futuristic in the best way.

Part 3 – Sunshine, Smooth Roads & Southern Memories

We woke to a bright, golden morning in Lyon, a welcome contrast to the rainy start of our journey. The clear sky and early warmth were a clear sign: we were getting closer to the Mediterranean.

After breakfast at the hotel, we headed to a high-capacity DC charger just a mile away to top up the Explorer to 100% State of Charge. It was early, yet the sun was already strong, casting a sharp light that hinted at the heat to come.

At first, I felt like the A/C was working a little too aggressively—maybe still tuned for UK weather. But as we rolled southward, with sunlight beaming through the panoramic glass roof, that cool air quickly became a relief rather than a complaint.

Once again, the in-car navigation proved reliable. It mapped out all our charging stops for the day and adjusted intelligently along the way. In fact, the car suggested fewer charging stops than we actually took—because we occasionally pulled over for cold drinks and quick breaks just to cool off and enjoy the journey.

As we followed signs pointing toward Grenoble, I was flooded with memories. Just the year before, I had ridden my motorbike through the balcony roads in that very region—a thrilling, unforgettable ride surrounded by towering cliffs and jaw-dropping views. It was a surreal moment to pass through again, this time in total silence and comfort, inside an EV with my family. Two different adventures, same awe.

Eventually, in the afternoon, we rolled into Cannes, greeted by sea air, warm light, and calm traffic. There was no stress, no range anxiety—just the quiet satisfaction of having completed the first long leg of our journey with ease.

The Explorer had proven itself, not just as an electric vehicle, but as a reliable travel companion.

Part 4 – A Week in Cannes: Sun, Calm, and Celebration

After the long but smooth drive from Lyon, arriving in Cannes felt like slipping into holiday mode instantly. We stayed for a full week, and the city welcomed us with everything we had hoped for: sunshine, a calm pace of life, and a deep breath of Mediterranean charm.

Each day began slowly, with the scent of fresh fruit and vegetables from local markets, followed by strolls to the sandy beaches where we simply let time pass. No stress. No rush. Just a much-needed break from our usual routines. And of course, it wouldn't be a complete holiday without indulging in delicious ice cream—which we made a daily ritual.

We must have been lucky with our timing. During our stay, Cannes hosted an Art Festival that lit up the evenings with spectacular fireworks and live concerts. Sitting by the sea, watching the sky erupt in colour and sound, felt like the perfect reward for the miles we had already covered.

We also took the opportunity to explore more of the Côte d’Azur, including a day trip to Nice, one of our favourite spots in the region. Being lovers of Mexican food, we didn’t miss the chance to visit our go-to Mexican restaurant in Nice—a place we return to every time we’re nearby. Familiar taste, different setting, always satisfying.

Cannes gave us the space to rest, reflect, and recharge—both ourselves and the car—before continuing our electric adventure further east across Europe.

Part 5 – Into the Balkans: Costs, Challenges & a Sick Pup

With Cannes behind us and Turkey ahead, we began the next major stretch of our journey—crossing into Northern Italy, then through Slovenia, and stopping overnight in Zagreb, Croatia.

We’d visited Northern Italy several times before, so the scenic roads brought back memories and sparked conversations in the car. My wife and daughter reminisced about previous trips, especially our time in Venice, which had left a strong impression on my daughter. As we passed familiar names and landscapes, it felt like flipping through the pages of a family travel album—but this time, powered by electricity.

Logging Every Charge – And Feeling the Price Rise

For this part of the trip, I relied once again on the car’s built-in navigation to guide us to the nearest available high-power chargers. Unlike France, where infrastructure was strong and easy to find, it became a bit more challenging in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. While chargers were available, they weren't always clearly marked or located in ideal places. Finding high-speed DC chargers sometimes required extra time and detours.

To track our journey more accurately, I used a mobile app I had personally written, which runs on my Android phone. It logs every charging session, including the energy consumed and the cost per kWh. This gave me clear, real-world insights into charging prices throughout the trip.

That’s when the cost reality hit.

- In France, we had been paying between £0.51 to £0.57 per kWh.

- Once we entered Italy, prices jumped to around £0.75 per kWh.

- Slovenia followed with £0.78 per kWh, officially marking the beginning of the “eye-watering” phase of EV charging on this trip.

Travel Fatigue & Our Dog's Discomfort

Unfortunately, this leg of the trip wasn’t only about rising prices and scenery. Our dog began to feel unwell, possibly from travel stress or the winding roads. He vomited a few times, which naturally worried us. We had to make several unscheduled stops to comfort him, give him water, and let him walk a little. It was a reminder that while EV travel is smooth and quiet, it doesn’t remove the unpredictability of long journeys with family and pets.

Still, the Explorer handled it all well. Despite a relatively long day on the road, we arrived in Zagreb by the evening, having driven comfortably, without stress or charging issues. The navigation worked reliably, the A/C kept the cabin cool, and even with a few unexpected stops, the car did its job without complaint.

Part 6 – Borders, Backroads & a Battle for a Plug

After a restful night in Zagreb and a solid sleep, we woke up refreshed and ready to continue our journey—with over 50% SoC, enough to comfortably reach the Croatia–Serbia border. That morning, charging wasn’t my biggest concern—I was more focused on potential delays at the border crossing.

Still, I knew the next few countries would bring less consistent EV infrastructure, so I was scanning for high-power DC chargers. Most of the chargers shown on the car’s navigation were only mid-power. Eventually, I spotted a high-power charger slightly off-route and decided to take the risk.

The detour cost us time—and worse, confirmed the navigation’s warning: the charger was out of service.

Frustrated but still within range, we returned to our original route. In a small town, near a shopping centre, we found two 60kW chargers. The first one? Dead. Just my luck. I moved to the second unit—it worked. Relieved, I decided to charge to 100% SoC instead of the usual 80%, just to be safe near the border.

Unfortunately, 60kW isn’t exactly fast, and we ended up waiting over an hour. It was still just 8:00 a.m., so the shopping centre was closed. I walked around and found a pub that offered only espresso—or beer. Not ideal. I politely passed on both and decided to hold it in until the next petrol station.

Into Serbia – Trouble With Charging & a Language Barrier

After that, we were back on the road and soon arrived at the Serbian border—thankfully, a smooth crossing with just a few cars ahead of us.

With decent SoC remaining, we decided to push on past Belgrade. But as we dipped below 10%, things got complicated. The car’s navigation directed us off the motorway, through back roads to a charger that, bizarrely, was located on the opposite side of the motorway—after a toll section, with no way to legally access it. I could feel the tension rise in the car, especially from my wife, who—let’s just say—is not a fan of low fuel, or low charge levels.

We were down to 9%, and I had to make a decision. I trusted the car and rejoined the motorway, hoping something would appear soon.

Eventually, we reached a service area with a single charger. Hope returned—until I saw it wasn’t connected to power. We dropped to 5% SoC and were out of options. Driving on, I spotted another charger where a Mercedes-Benz was plugged in, but no one was around—except a young boy in the backseat playing on his phone.

I tried to explain our situation, but there was a language barrier. The license plate was Romanian, and the boy didn’t speak English or French. Eventually, he ran off to find his mum, who insisted the car was still charging—even though the charger clearly read "Charge complete." Minutes later, her husband arrived, understood the situation, and finally unplugged the car, letting us use the charger. A tense moment, but resolved with courtesy.

Again, we had to spend over an hour charging on a mid-power unit, just to give us enough range to reach North Macedonia.

Border Delays, Balkan Heat & A Welcome in Thessaloniki

We made one more top-up before reaching the border, just to pass safely through the entire length of North Macedonia. At the border, chaos reigned. Cars were cutting queues, swerving into any possible gap, and it felt like a free-for-all. Eventually, two border police arrived and restored order, sending queue-jumpers back where they came from. It took us about 1.5 hours to get through.

North Macedonia is a relatively small country, and before we reached the Greek border, I was lucky to find a 150kW charger at a petrol station—finally! A Tesla was already plugged in, and I struck up a friendly chat with the driver. He lived in Austria, admired the Ford Explorer’s design, and was impressed to hear about our journey.

Once charged, we cruised onward to Thessaloniki, my grandmother’s hometown—a meaningful stop for me. We arrived in the evening, welcomed by a hotel with a restaurant and a pool, perfect for cooling off after a long day filled with two border crossings, charging struggles, and over 12 hours on the road.

The Explorer remained comfortable throughout. No complaints from the family—except about the mosquitoes, and the relentless Balkan heat.

Part 7 – The Final Stretch: Crossing into Turkey & Charging into Istanbul

After a good night’s rest in Thessaloniki and a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set the Ford Explorer Electric's navigation to Istanbul—our final destination on this epic cross-continental journey.

Charging Strategy: Detours & Discoveries

The car’s navigation planned two charging stops: one in Greece and one in Turkey. However, the Greek charger was only 60kW, which felt underwhelming for this final leg. I decided instead to take a small detour between Thessaloniki and Kavala, where I knew a 120kW charger was available—one of the most powerful units in Greece.

After charging the Explorer to 100% SoC, we were set to cross into Turkey with confidence.

So far on our journey through Europe, I had relied entirely on Ford BlueOval and Electroverse RFID cards—never once needing to download a local app. This convenience was a huge plus. 

Entering Turkey – Borders & Charging Gaps

With a full battery, we made it to the Greece–Turkey border with around 10% remaining. The border crossing took about 30 minutes, and while waiting, I noticed something unusual: the car’s navigation system stopped displaying charger information once we entered Turkey.

This isn’t a bug, but a data restriction set by the local government, meaning charging stations aren’t shown on the car’s built-in navigation. Fortunately, I knew what to expect. Just after passport control, two 400kW high-power chargers were waiting, and we plugged in to charge to 100% once again.

Istanbul Bound – From Scooby’s Köfte to Bosphorus Views

Looking at the traffic data and the approaching afternoon rush, I decided to avoid central Istanbul and instead follow the motorway across the 3rd Bosphorus Bridge—the newest and least congested route—so we could reach the Anatolian side, our final destination.

On the way, we passed through Tekirdağ, known for its famous köfte (meatballs), and stopped for lunch. Since we were travelling with Scooby, our dog, we were seated outside rather than in the air-conditioned restaurant—which irritated the family a bit in the heat. Still, Scooby enjoyed a small portion of köfte, specially ordered just for him. That made it worth it.

I decided to top up the battery again to ensure we’d have a decent SoC when arriving in Istanbul. To my surprise—and relief—nearly every petrol station we passed had EV chargers. It felt like Turkey had embraced the EV wave far more than expected, at least on this corridor.

We made one final stop near the Bosphorus Bridge, charging up to 90%, before crossing into Istanbul.

Arrival: Europe to Asia, Electric & Effortless

And just like that—after thousands of kilometres, seven countries, dozens of chargers, and a week’s worth of stories—we arrived in Istanbul. Our Ford Explorer Electric had taken us from the edge of the Atlantic to the threshold of Asia—silently, smoothly, and without ever running out of charge.

It wasn’t always easy. We had days of uncertainty, moments of tension, and even a few bugs to squash—both technical and literal (hello, Balkan mosquitoes). But through it all, the Explorer was a reliable companion. The family was comfortable, even happy. The dog survived. And the memory? Unforgettable.

Part 8 – City, Sea, and the Spirit of the Road

With Istanbul finally behind us after the long drive from the UK, it was time to slow down and explore. In this ancient and sprawling city, we found ourselves surrounded by history, culture, and a surprisingly good public transport system. So, for the most part, the Explorer Electric stayed parked—but that didn’t stop me from taking it out now and then, if only to claim some EV mileage in one of the world’s most congested cities.

Interestingly, the guessometer was showing close to 600 km on a full charge—matching the catalogue range. That’s something worth celebrating. Of course, the hot weather and constant A/C use did affect real-world consumption, just like the extreme cold does. But still, for a heavy SUV in the middle of summer heat? I was impressed.

Istanbul Explorations: A Family Checklist

My daughter had her own travel bucket list for this year’s visit to Istanbul:

Grand Bazaar

Sultan Bayezid II Mosque

Istanbul University

Sultan Ahmet Mosque

Basilica Cistern

Topkapi Palace

Galata Tower

Ortaköy Mosque

Prince Islands

She proudly ticked off every location, capturing some great photos along the way. Istanbul delivered on all fronts—culture, beauty, chaos, and charm.

Chasing the Coast: Datça Detour

With a bit of time still on my hands, I decided to head southwest toward Marmaris and Datça to visit an old friend who had made a bold move years ago—leaving city life behind for the peaceful rhythms of Datça. It was a perfect opportunity to reconnect.

Initially, I took the motorway out of Istanbul, but soon found it dull and uninspiring. So I switched to the coastal route near İzmir, chasing memories and the scent of the sea. The EV charging infrastructure along the route was surprisingly strong. At no point did I worry about range or availability. My only worry? Missing a good local meal.

In İzmir, I stopped at a fish restaurant I had visited years ago with friends—reigniting old memories over grilled seabass and salad. Then I passed the ruins of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, quietly soaking in the history that lined the Aegean coast.

As I drove through Gökova, the air changed. I could smell the Mediterranean mixing with pine trees—a scent that only exists in this part of Turkey. It was almost nostalgic.

Finally, I arrived in Datça. The only charger in town was a 22kW AC unit inside Migros Park, but I didn’t need it—I had arrived with plenty of charge. The rest of the time was spent by the sea, bathing in the sun, enjoying fresh seafood, and sipping on traditional rakı with my friend and his wonderful wife.

Charging in Turkey: Freedom of Choice

In Turkey, I had access to ZES, EŞarj, WAT, and Trugo. I only used Trugo once, and while the charging process technically worked, the negotiation between the car and the station took much longer than expected. That’s why I mostly stuck with ZES—it was more reliable and convenient, and I had the luxury of choice, thanks to the wide and growing charging network.

EV charging in Turkey has become a non-issue. Like petrol stations, chargers are everywhere, especially on key routes. It felt like a glimpse of what EV travel should always be—effortless.

Next Chapter: The Return to the UK

Now, the time has come to return home. The journey ahead will take us through:

Greece → Bulgaria → Romania → Hungary → Austria → Germany → Belgium → France → Eurotunnel → UK.

A new set of roads, borders, charging challenges—and surely new stories to tell.

Let’s see how the return leg compares, and whether Europe is ready to support long-haul EV travellers in both directions.

Part 9 – The Long Road Home: From Turkey to Romania

After weeks of sun, history, beaches, and winding roads, it was finally time to start the return journey home to the UK. Our holiday had been full of highlights—from Istanbul’s mosques to Datça’s seafood feasts—but now it was time to leave it all behind.

We packed up our luggage and carefully loaded the car. Although we had a roof box, I decided not to use it this time. On our previous trip, it had caused problems with parking—most notably in France, where underground car parks have strict height restrictions. But more importantly, I wanted to monitor the Explorer’s consumption without any external attachments, which tend to increase drag and reduce efficiency.

Border Planning & Battery Strategy

Looking at the border crossing options between Turkey and the EU—specifically Greece and Bulgaria—I could see the waiting times were high. So, we made the decision to leave earlier than planned and head toward the Greece–Turkey border.

The car was already charged to 100%, and just to be sure, we stopped at a "petrol" station near the border for a quick top-up. Everything was ready... except for the queue.

As we approached the crossing, we were diverted into the lorry park, and the dreaded waiting began. It took us 4.5 hours to pass through, mostly due to intensified passport checks on the Turkish side. This wasn’t just a delay—it was the most time-consuming border of the entire journey.

From Greece to Bulgaria to Romania – A Day of Unknowns

Our goal for the day was to reach Drobeta-Turnu Severin, a town in southwestern Romania, for an overnight stay.

After a short drive through northern Greece, we crossed into Bulgaria and made our first charging stop in Dimitrovgrad, where I found a 180kW DC charger tucked underneath an old building—a slightly odd location. A van was parked in front of the unit, but the driver, seeing us, kindly moved it so we could plug in.

Looking ahead on the route, there were very few verified chargers between Sofia and Drobeta-Turnu Severin, and I couldn’t be sure which ones were working. To play it safe, I topped up again in Sofia using the Electroverse RFID card, and we pressed on toward the Bulgarian–Romanian border.

At the border, things became tricky again. The charger listed on navigation was actually on the opposite carriageway, and once we crossed to the Romanian side, we found that the chargers were out of order.

Understandably, my wife was worried, but I had checked the car’s numbers and knew we could still make it. And we did—arriving at our overnight destination with 10% SoC remaining. Cutting it close, but never out of control.

More Than Just Charging – Real Road Risks

Between Sofia and Drobeta-Turnu Severin, the roads are single carriageways winding through mountainous regions. This stretch isn't just physically demanding—it's mentally exhausting. We saw frequent tailgating, reckless overtakes on blind bends, and generally aggressive local driving habits. Frankly, this part of the journey required far more attention than any charging concern.

It was a long and intense day, but once again, the Ford Explorer Electric proved its worth. With careful planning, trusted navigation, and a little risk-taking, we had crossed three countries, multiple mountains, and the wildest drivers of the trip—all without a single charging failure.

Part 10 – From Romania to Germany: Smooth Roads & Plug-and-Charge Simplicity

Our second day on the return journey took us from Drobeta-Turnu Severin in Romania all the way to Regensburg, Germany—a long drive, but thankfully a much smoother and flatter route compared to the day before.

We crossed several countries—Romania, Hungary, Austria, and into southern Germany—but this leg of the trip was defined more by comfort and efficiency than stress or surprises.

A Charging Day Without Drama

We had no difficulty with charging infrastructure. We made quick and efficient stops in:

• Romania

• Hungary

• Austria

Each country had reliable public chargers, and the Ford Explorer Electric’s navigation once again handled the routing well.

The standout experience of the day was in Austria, where we used a Plug & Charge station—a feature I truly enjoy. The process couldn’t be simpler:
Plug the vehicle in → it recognises your car → charging begins automatically.
No apps, no RFID cards, no menus—just seamless charging.

It’s these moments that highlight how EV travel should be: smart, effortless, and invisible in the best way.

Comfort > Charging

Interestingly, our comfort breaks were longer than most of our charging sessions. The car consistently charged faster than we could use the restroom, grab a coffee, or stretch our legs—something that would have sounded unthinkable with early EVs just a few years ago.

We did face occasional rain showers throughout the day, which limited scenic views and slowed us down slightly, but aside from that, it was an uneventful and relaxed travel day.

By the evening, we arrived in Regensburg, Germany with plenty of charge, no delays, and the kind of confidence that comes from knowing the EV infrastructure in central Europe is truly maturing.

Part 11 – Homeward Bound: From Germany to the UK via Eurotunnel

After weeks on the road, countless borders crossed, and memories made, it was finally time for the final leg of our journey: Germany → Belgium → France → Eurotunnel → home.

It had been a long time away from home, and we could feel it. But that tiredness came with a sense of peace and fulfilment—the kind of exhaustion that comes after a well-spent adventure.

By the time we reached Western Europe, most of our early concerns had faded away. The charging infrastructure was strong, the roads familiar, and the vehicle—our Ford Explorer Electric—had proven itself more than capable.

A Dog, a Daughter & a Drive to Remember

While my wife and I were watching the road and the miles tick by, the back seat told a different story. Our dog, Scooby, either curled up and slept peacefully or played quietly with our daughter. At one point, he looked so sweet and content that my wife snapped a photo of him sleeping—one more memory added to the journey.

This wasn’t just about driving across Europe. It was about the small moments: coffee breaks in mountain towns, meatballs in Tekirdağ, Greek sunsets, Datça pine forests, and now, Scooby snoring softly on the way home.

The Final Numbers

As we pulled into our driveway, the journey counter read nearly 7,000 miles (over 11,000 km)—a full loop across Europe and back, always following the sun or the next charging station.

• ✅ Total charging cost: £932

• ✅ Average cost per mile: £0.13

• ✅ Total breakdowns or faults: 0

• ✅ Regrets: None

Would I do the same journey again in the Ford Explorer Electric?

Absolutely, yes.

Why? Because our family values comfort and reliability, and the Explorer delivered both consistently, no matter the road, weather, or country.

🚗 Ford Explorer Electric – Long-Distance Journey Evaluation (UK to Turkey and Back)

Category	Rating (★ out of 5)	Comments
Driving Comfort	★★★★★	Exceptionally smooth and quiet; seats comfortable even on long drives.
Range Accuracy	★★★★☆	Range estimate (“guessometer”) was reliable under normal conditions.
Real-World Range	★★★★☆	Around 500–600 km achievable with careful driving; AC usage affects it.
Charging Network Support	★★★★☆	Strong across most of Europe and Turkey; a few weak spots in the Balkans.
Charging Speed	★★★★☆	Fast charging worked well; pre-conditioning effective; mid-speed units slow.
Navigation System	★★★★☆	Smart routing, auto-recalculation; lacks charger data in Turkey.
EV Infrastructure Access	★★★★☆	RFID support (Blue Oval, Electroverse, ZES, etc.) made access easy.
Reliability	★★★★★	No breakdowns, no errors—vehicle was highly dependable across 10+ countries.
Interior & Tech Features	★★★★☆	Well-equipped; good screen responsiveness; needs slight UI improvement.
Pet & Family Friendliness	★★★★★	Plenty of space; smooth ride for dog and family; stress-free cabin.

---

⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars

Verdict:
The Ford Explorer Electric handled a demanding international road trip with confidence and comfort. Excellent driving experience, strong range, and solid infrastructure support made this an ideal EV for families exploring Europe. The only downside was inconsistent pricing through Ford’s RFID partners, but overall, the vehicle performed beyond expectations.

Charging Convenience & Cost Breakdown

We primarily used Ionity and Electroverse, which covered nearly the entire route across Europe. Thanks to RFID card support, we didn’t need to juggle mobile apps or sign up for local services. It was plug-in and charge—as smooth as EV travel gets today.

I’ve included a country-by-country charging cost breakdown below, along with a professional evaluation table of the Explorer based on real-world experience and our family’s expectations. These may help other EV travellers plan and compare for their own adventures.

Tracking the Journey with My Custom EV Charging App

Throughout this entire adventure, I used a custom Android-based application I personally developed to log every single charging session along the route. The app recorded key details like energy consumed (kWh), cost per session, cost per kWh, and charging provider.

At the end of the journey, I was able to export all the data into an Excel file, allowing me to perform a full analysis of our charging costs, patterns, and efficiency across different countries. This tool helped me understand not just where we charged, but how smartly and efficiently we used energy during nearly 7,000 miles of travel.

I'll be sharing a screenshot of the app interface below for those interested in how it works. It's a simple but powerful tool that made a big difference in tracking costs transparently and understanding the economics of long-distance EV travel.

Note: This journey was entirely self-funded and independent. These are personal observations, not an official test sponsored by any brand or OEM.

This journey was independently planned and executed. The content reflects my own experience and does not represent any official statement or view of my employer.

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