In this week’s post:
- Will the electric Ford Explorer come to the USA?
- Disney is killing off the gas-powered Autopia cars in favor of EVs.
- My recent Carvana experience was a mixed bag.
The first question comes from a viewer who wants the electric Ford Explorer (which is only sold overseas) to come here.
Q (AskNathan@TFL.com) RE: Electric Ford Explorer might come here!
Nathan, I’m pretty sure the electric Ford Explorer is coming to the United States. People want more space than the Mach E and the Explorer looks like it will fill the bill. Also saw some other Ford EVs that are making debuts in Europe. Seems like they should be making debuts here. When do you think it will come?
– All_Hike98
A: Hi there. Thanks for the question.
If you read our recent post on the Ford Capri (pictured above – which is based on VW tech) you’ll catch the part that mentions the increase in the Ford Mustang Mach E’s popularity. Improvements and price drops will do that. In addition: the electric Ford Explorer you’re talking about is also based on a MEB platform. That is to say: it’s related to Volkswagen as well.
Ford has made its intentions clear, regarding other EVs for our market. They are working on a three-row EV that could have similar dimensions of the current Explorer. Just as important for consumers, it looks like they could be aiming at the Kia EV9 as a direct competitor. If Ford can rival Kia with pricing, performance and packaging – it would be epic.
We know more EVs are coming, albeit slower than initially anticipated thanks to a slowdown in EV purchases. Still, it’s coming. With that being said, Ford has not announced any of their European EVs for U.S. consumption.
Sorry, but change is still coming.
— N
The next question comes from a Disney fan who’s curious about the upcoming changes with Autopia.
Q: (Via: AskNathan@TFL.com) RE: Autopia at Disneyland is going all electric!
Big fan of TF L and love Disney too and I remember that you wrote about Honda working with Disney Autopia a long time ago. Now I hear that they are going to switch to all electric soon. How will they keep these cars running when they need a charge?
Is this something they are doing with Honda too?
Stay cool!
- Nick.S
A: Hi there!
No word on Honda’s involvement – yet. I sent a request to the automaker to see if this is something they are participating with. I have yet to hear. The terms of Honda’s sponsorship is merkey at best.
There are lots of options open to Disney regarding the vehicles themselves: everything from swapping batteries to running an electric circuit (like slot-cars). It’s all a question of longevity, reliability and safety. This is a popular ride, despite its age, and it makes sense that they would update something in “Tomorrowland” with something technically relevant.
There’s a great article featured in the Los Angeles Times that initially focused the spotlight on the company. All gas power, including hybrid tech, is off the table. In the article, they quote Disneyland spokesperson Jessica Good’s written statement. She indicated that Autopia will be all-electric by 2026.
We’ll keep an eye on this developing story!
– N
The last question comes from an old TFL fan who wanted to know about my Carvana buying experience.
Q: (Via Twitter/X @Nathanadlen) Hi Natemonster!
How did it go with your wife’s car?
- M. Mitchel Titan_Log
A: Not as fulfilling as my last purchase from Carvana.
We purchased a fairly-new Mazda CX-5, that was in outstanding condition, but there’s a minor caveat. We had to immediately replace both keyless fob batteries. I think that’s something Carvana should have checked on.
My biggest issue was the utter lack of enthusiasm, and assistance from the employee on staff. The whole event with inserting the coin and getting your vending-machine-delivered car was lacking. I mean, last time – when we bought another vehicle from them, the offer to shoot photos of the family with the car, lauding the selection and whatnot was missing. In addition, something as simple as a proper screwdriver or wrench wasn’t available. Dealerships are supposed to affix a paper licences where the plate goes.
The whole experience for my spouse was lackluster at best. It’s like they didn’t care about her purchase. Perhaps it has to do with our buying the car for cash, so no financing bump to be had. Honestly, I doubt it.
Yea, the experience was blah – at best. Fortunately, she loves the car.
– N
