The all-new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is here to redefine just what an electric vehicle can be. In redesigning one of the world’s most iconic muscle cars to meet the current demand for electric vehicles, Ford is out to prove that you don’t need to sacrifice style for substance. Mustang purists might miss the roar of the traditional V8 engine, but by combining the sports car’s signature style and performance with the practicality of an EV, Ford has produced something worth taking a closer look at. A quick trip to your local NY Ford Mustang Mach-E dealer will tell you what so many in the auto industry are already beginning to realize: the future is here, and it looks good.
Right from the start, the Mach-E’s heritage is on full display. The sleek lines and bold styling one expects from a Mustang are all here, including the signature extended hood and distinctive three-bar rear lighting. The Mach-E even opts to leave off the exterior handle of the rear passenger doors, giving the Mustang the sporty silhouette of a classic coupe.
The original pony car has always attracted a certain type of driver. The vehicle’s raw power and iconic style are, for many, the very definition of American muscle, and an EV might very well seem antithetical to that idea. With the Mach-E, Ford seeks to challenge that perception and show loyal Mustang owners that there’s more than one way to lay down some rubber.
Of course, this means familiarizing drivers with the ins and outs of the EV world. From kilowatts hours to charging stations, there are a lot of new concepts that come along with this new energy-efficient breed of vehicles. So let’s start out by familiarizing you with some of the key terms when it comes to understanding EVs, then dive into the details of owning a Mustang Mach-E.
Common EV terms
- kWh (kilowatt-hours) – A kWh is a measurement of energy over time and is the preferred way to measure a battery’s power. The Mach-E comes with both 75.7 kWh and 98.8 kWh battery options, which are larger than most EVs on the market.
- Lithium-ion battery – The most common type of battery found in EVs, though some promising new contenders are currently being developed, which experts hope will increase range while decreasing charging time.
- Level 1 Charging – Also known as plugging your car into a standard 120-volt household power outlet. This form of charging is very convenient but limited to 8-20 amps. Level 1 can’t charge very quickly, leading many EV owners to opt for a Level 2 charging setup.
- Level 2 Charging – This uses a 240-volt power outlet and is capable of charging at up to 80 amps. A Ford charging station can fully replenish a Mach-E battery from empty overnight.
- Level 3 Charging – Also known as DC Fast Charging, this is a faster way to charge your vehicle on the go and is available at many public charging stations. With the 100+ amp connection provided at these fast charging ports, your EV can be topped off in minutes rather than hours, making longer trips much less of a hassle.
- Range – How far, in miles, an EV can travel on a single charge. The Mach-E has an EPA-estimated range of 211 to 305 miles, depending on motor and battery configurations. Like fuel consumption in a gasoline car, range will depend on your driving style and conditions.
- MPGe – Short for miles per gallon equivalent. This is a formula used to determine how EVs compare to gas-powered cars in terms of fuel efficiency. As an example, an EV that can travel 95 miles on 33.7 kWh of electricity can be said to have an MPGe of 95.
- Regenerative braking – A system that uses the electric motor to decelerate instead of the brakes, recharging the EVs batteries in the process. This allows EV drivers to get a bit of their range back every time they slow down.
Blending Tradition and Innovation
The Mustang comes with two battery options, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and a number of different motor and wheel options, allowing drivers to customize their Mach-E to fit their specific demands. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable 75 kWh Select model with 266 horsepower and a range of 230 miles, a Premium model with 290 horsepower and 300 miles range, or a maxed-out GT model with 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque, the Mach-E is an impressively customizable EV.
If there were two numbers that sum up the Mustang Mach-E, they would be 3.5 seconds and 305 miles. These two figures, which represent the car’s 0-60 time and battery range, demonstrate just how much attention Ford has put into balancing power and performance. At 3.5 seconds, the Mach-E GT can hang with the likes of the Jaguar F-Type R and Mercedes-AMG GT in an all-out sprint and is only a fraction of a second slower than the monstrous Shelby GT500. Meanwhile, the Mach-E California Route 1 is in the same vicinity as the Tesla Model 3 when it comes to range.
Named the 2021 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards, the Mach-E has garnered plenty of industry attention right out of the gate. A panel of 50 leading automotive journalists and media outlets recognized the Mach-E for its all-electric powertrain, comfortable layout, and new SYNC4 infotainment system, citing its ability to blend raw power with the full complement of luxury features one would expect for the price.
“Until now, it would have been unheard of to put an iconic Mustang badge on a utility vehicle, but NACTOY jurors say Ford’s decision to take that risk paid off with the Mustang Mach E,” reads a press release from NACTOY. The Mustang beat out two other finalists in the utility vehicle category, besting both the Genesis GV80 and Land Rover Defender to nab the top honors.
Putting Technology Front and Center
While the Mach-E has been on the market since late 2020, Ford isn’t done perfecting it quite yet. In mid-May, the Detroit automaker announced a new over-the-air software update to the Mach-E that will allow drivers to use Amazon’s popular Alexa voice assistant while behind the wheel. The service is part of a continuing partnership between Amazon and Ford and will be provided free of charge on all new Mach-Es for at least the first three years. The feature will first be available on all Mustang Mach-E and 2021 Ford F-150s, with the Bronco, Edge, and Super Duty trucks slated to receive a similar update down the road.
The new technology’s interface will be familiar to anyone who already owns one of the estimated 100 million Alexa-enabled devices currently on the market. By using the voice-activated system, drivers can get help with anything from playing music and placing phone calls to navigation, weather, and updating your Amazon shopping list. The system is able to interact with any Alexa-connected device you might already own, meaning you can adjust your home’s heating or lighting well before you step in the door. It works both ways too. Simply tell the Amazon Echo in your living room to start your Mach-E’s AC or defrost the windshield, and you’ll be able to squeeze a few extra minutes into your morning routine.
The over-the-air software update model presents some interesting opportunities for the industry as a whole. Ford is all over the new trend with its Power-Up remote updates, which can be used to add new features, fix bugs, and improve performance. Recently announced updates include expanded functionality for the Mach-E’s Apple CarPlay system, which enables turn-by-turn navigation, as well as a digital owner’s manual and other navigation updates.
Luxurious, Powerful, and Affordable
The Mach-E comes with one more feature that you might not even notice until April 15th rolls around. As an all-electric vehicle, the Mustang is eligible for as much as $7,500 in federal tax incentives. With the full tax incentive applied, the base model Mach-E rings in at an impressive $35,395, putting it well within sight of the Tesla Model Y, which retails for just $900 more.
With competitive pricing and incentives that benefit both the planet and your wallet, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a practical choice for any driver looking to enter the EV market in style. Call your local New York Ford dealer today and experience the electrifying new future of American muscle for yourself.
