What’s Happening
Ford is poised to resume orders for the all-electric Mustang Mach-E starting Wednesday, following the completion of significant plant upgrades. The improvements will allow for a production ramp-up in the latter half of 2023. The company also plans to roll out feature upgrades, including an increased range for standard battery models, targeting an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles for RWD and 226 miles for eAWD configurations.
Why It Matters
This move is an integral part of Ford’s broader strategy to scale electric vehicle (EV) production and make such vehicles more affordable and accessible to consumers. Ford’s EV lineup also includes the full-size F-150 Lightning truck and the E-Transit van. Marin Gjaja, the chief customer officer of Ford Model e, stresses the company’s commitment to continuously enhancing the value of the Mustang Mach-E with upgraded features, increased range, and faster DC charging times.
Key Points
Ford is now powering all standard range models with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This shift not only enhances the power of the eAWD configuration by an additional 45 horsepower but also improves the EPA range estimates for standard range RWD and eAWD configurations. Moreover, these models can now charge to 100% more frequently via AC home charging, with DC fast charging time reduced by 5 minutes.
BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free driving technology for highways, is being offered as a complimentary 90-day trial with all Mustang Mach-E SUVs. This allows customers to experience the technology within the initial months of vehicle ownership and opt for a subscription at their convenience. Ford’s in-house team is dedicated to improving BlueCruise continuously, with the latest 1.2 version introducing hands-free lane changes and In-Lane Repositioning capability.
Bottom Line
Ford is making substantial strides in the EV market with the upgrades to the Mustang Mach-E. The vehicle now boasts BlueCruise technology, recognized by Consumer Reports as its top-rated Active Driving Assistance System. The Mustang Mach-E also qualifies for potential Inflation Reduction Act federal tax credits in 2023 of $3,750.
The company also unveiled new offerings for Mustang Mach-E, including optional Comfort Package Lite on Select, featuring heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and memory driver seat and sideview power folding mirrors. Over-the-air software updates are possible, with the latest being the availability of news and video apps as standard across all Mustang Mach-E vehicles. This comprehensive upgrade and the company’s commitment to improving EV accessibility make Ford a strong player in the electric vehicle landscape.
