Electric cars are slowly but steadily taking over the market, much to some enthusiasts’ disappointment. However, this article is about one of the most interesting electric cars of the moment: The electric Ford Mustang.
“This is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y and has the potential to be quite successful. I think they have the right vehicle in the right segment with the right characteristics,” said an auto analyst.
Unexpected demand
Initially, demand was supposed to be modest and largely consisting of customers from states that are adopting the California mandates.
According to Ford, they have officially filled all advance orders for their First Edition Mustang Mach-E, which is a very exclusive version of the American car maker’s first extended-range electric vehicle (EV).
The Mach-E will be available in five different versions. Prices will be starting at $47,000 and can go as high as $70,000 for the GT version, which is expected to be as fast as a Porsche 911 GTS.
It’s obvious that the Mach-E is a direct competitor to the upcoming Tesla Model Y.
Sam Abuelsamid, principal automotive analyst with Navigant Research said: “I think they have the right vehicle in the right segment with the right characteristics.”
Writing history
Ford was always supportive of battery propulsion, launching a mix of hybrids, plug-ins, and some BEVs. However, the Mach-E will be their first long-range model, whose battery pack is expected to return over 300 miles per charge. Keep in mind that the final EPA testing has not yet been completed.
Back when Ford began working on an electric SUV, they focused on conceiving a so-called “compliance car”, which is a vehicle that can meet the very harsh zero-emissions standards that are set by the state of California.
Performance
Two years ago, Jim Hackett, Ford CEO ordered a review of the EV plans of the company, and the development team decided to tear up the original design in favor of a more aggressive-looking and more potent vehicle. Initially, inspiration was supposed to be provided by the automaker’s long-lived Mustang. However, as the process of development progressed, it was obvious that the new SUV was more than capable to rise up to the performance and handling figures of the coupe counterpart, which convinced Ford officials to also call it a Mustang.
“Our base model will be faster than a base Porsche Macan and close to the Macan Turbo,” which, frankly, reaches 60 miles per hour in as little as 4.1 seconds. The quote comes from Ron Heiser, powertrain chief.
The Mach-e GT will be “within spitting distance of a Porsche 911 GTS,” which is capable of reaching 60 mph in a bit over three seconds.
Rivals
Ford isn’t the sole automaker that aims for performance. They are trying to introduce electric vehicles to the masses by making them appealing with the use of a sportive look and amazing performance.
However, rivals are doing way better in terms of raw sales. Elon Musk approximates that the upcoming Model Y will generate twice the demand that Model 3 did (which is now topping 300,000 yearly) thanks to the growing shift to SUVs.
