Here's Why We Won't See A 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid
The Ford Explorer has been one of the brand's top SUVs since it first debuted all the way back in the 1990s. It has come equipped with a variety of different engine choices over the decades. While the Explorer has mostly benefitted from a gasoline engine, there have been a few hybrid options offered in recent years. The 2023 Explorer could be optioned out with a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 that, when working with an electric motor, outputs 318 hp.
However, taking a glance at the 2024 model, you may notice that the hybrid option is no longer available. On the surface, this seems odd, given Ford's recent all-hands on deck push towards electrification. Ford's North America Product Communications Director Mike Levine told Green Car Reports that the Explorer Hybrid isn't gone from Ford's lineup entirely, Ford is simply prioritizing a different market for the time being. Either way, a regular person can't go out and buy a 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid.
Hybrid-powered law enforcement
However, if you happen to be part of vehicle procurement for a law enforcement agency, Ford will be offering hybrid versions of the Ford Police Interceptor (which is essentially a slightly more specialized, beefier Explorer). The Ford Police Interceptor, which hasn't been updated in any significant way since 2020, offers the same horsepower ratings as the civilian model.
According to Ford, hybrid powertrain technology lends itself well to police duty. A regular car doesn't come equipped with all manner of lighting and surveillance tech that a police interceptor needs. Such systems strain the battery and require the engine to idle for long periods of time during periods of inactivity. Hybrid Ford Interceptors don't suffer that problem as the hybrid system bears that heavy electrical burden. A regular Ford Explorer may only need to run a PA system or extra lights and a computer once (or never) during its life. For Interceptors, it needs to do that all day, every day.
In the same statement to Green Car Reports, Mike Levine also noted that the non-hybrid powertrains for the Explorer, the EcoBoost four-cylinder and EcoBoost V6 were far more popular than the eco-friendly hybrid option anyway. It likely wasn't long for this world in the first place.