The lease rates are really good right now.
And it may give you an opportunity to test the technology out at relatively low risk.
Your driving patterns are a good fit for an electric vehicle.
I think you would be pleasantly surprised by how well the vehicle drives, and how easy it is to live with.
All I ask is that you test drive one to see what it's about.
I was in the same boat as you. For the first time in 25 years and after 5 Fords, I bought a Crown Signia. It was not an easy choice to leave the brand. I was between that, a Maverick CX-50, CRV and a Grand Highlander.
We already know from Farley's comments that a Bronco with exportable power (i.e. Pro Power Onboard) is coming. That means there will be a hybrid Bronco since that is a prerequisite for the larger Pro Power Onboard systems. The unknown is whether Ford will do the same for the Ranger (assuming it remains in the NA Ford lineup).
There's apparently a gas mustang SUV coming so imagine a mach-e with an ICE powertrain. A maverick based SUV is also coming apparently.
If they ever put the hybrid 2.5 in the bronco sport, that could be good for you as well. That powertrain is very reliable, and the interior of a BS is nicer than a maverick, still cheap feeling, but not terrible.
I not sure I would buy an Explorer again. Maybe the new model is better, but I had a ton of issues with the two that I owned.
Have you considered a Mach E? Seems to check all your boxes.
!50K miles is unacceptable, but that's all you're going to get from a new vehicle. I'd buy a 2010 vehicle and you'll probably get a total (last owner(s) plus you) of 250K to 300K. So far, I have. And independent garages can fix them more cheaply!