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During my week-long experience with the Ford Mustang Mach-E, an AWD electric vehicle equipped with an extended range battery, I had the opportunity to test its power output and explore the charging infrastructure. The Mustang Mach-E's dual motors provided instant and thrilling acceleration but the initial lack of noise took some adjustment. The comparison between the All-Electric Mustang Mach-E’s power and the power of a conventional combustion engine felt worlds apart. Despite the enjoyable performance, the range initially left me disappointed, and the challenges of finding functional charging stations was anxiety inducing. In this review, I will delve into the pros and cons I encountered during my time with the Mustang Mach-E.
The power output from the dual motors in the Ford Mustang Mach-E is truly remarkable. With instantaneous acceleration, the Mustang Mach-E offered an exhilarating driving experience. The absence of engine noise initially felt peculiar, but it quickly became a unique characteristic that added to the tranquility of the ride. The Mustang Mach-E's power easily outperformed traditional combustion engines, reinforcing the superiority of electric vehicles in terms of sheer performance.
Whilst the power aspect of the Mustang Mach-E was impressive, I faced some disappointment regarding its range. The range dropped unexpectedly while the vehicle was stationary, when waiting in the car before setting off in the morning. Upon investigating, I discovered the importance of pre-conditioning the battery to maximize its range. The Mustang Mach-E's pre-departure menu would have allowed me to schedule battery conditioning while still connected to a charging port. This feature would have optimized the vehicle's range potential.
When it was time to charge the Mustang Mach-E, I aimed to return it with at least 80% charge. However, the challenges I encountered during this process left me feeling less than confident in my ability to achieve this. Relying on the built-in Sat Nav system, I selected a nearby charging station only to find it non-existent upon arrival. Although I still had a reasonable battery charge of 75%, the lack of an available station left me anxious, as if I had arrived at a fuel station without pumps. After searching for a local DC fast charge station on the Sat Nav system, I located a BP station three miles away. Upon arrival, I felt a renewed sense of apprehension, concerned about the availability and functionality of the charging ports. Fortunately, one port was free, and the ease of using a debit card to initiate the charging process was a relief. However, I encountered further frustration when the card reader on the charging station initially malfunctioned. Eventually, I managed to start the charging process after several minutes of persistent attempts.
While charging the Mustang Mach-E, I observed the charging rate and calculated the associated costs. The DC fast charger provided an impressive initial charge rate of 64 kWh, which enabled the battery to reach 80% in just six minutes. The charging rate then decreased to 39 kWh, taking an additional 15 minutes to reach my desired 85% charge. However, the costs of fast charging at service stations proved to be relatively expensive, as I paid £10.20 for a 10% battery charge and 40 miles of range. Comparing this with my diesel car, electric charging was slightly more expensive. The equivalent distance in my diesel car would have cost me £7.30, which made the Mustang Mach-E cost £2.90 more over the 40 miles.
To better understand the cost comparison, I explored charging options at home. With electricity priced at 25p per kWh, the 40-mile range would have cost me £3.25. This is £4 cheaper than refuelling my diesel car for the same distance. Having a charging port at home would significantly reduce the overall cost of operating an electric vehicle and make it more cost-effective compared to my diesel car. By having a home charging port, I could have taken advantage of the lower electricity rates and conveniently charged the Mustang Mach-E overnight. This would not only have saved me money but also would have stopped me relying on the current charging options, which from my experience can be limited and occasionally unreliable. With the cost advantage and the convenience of charging at home, All-Electric Vehicles would only become a more viable option to me, if I had a charging port at home.
Having a charging port at home significantly reduces the cost of charging and owning an Electric Vehicle like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and would make it a financially attractive choice for me compared to traditional combustion engines. However, improvements in the charging infrastructure are necessary if we want Electric Vehicles to stand the test of time. I would not currently want to own a fully electric vehicle until I knew I could rely on the charging framework.
Therefore, a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle is a more appealing option for me because it would allow me to enjoy the performance advantages of an Electric Vehicle, take advantage of the cost savings from the EV battery using cheap electricity prior to short journeys, and have the convenience of using petrol for longer trips.
If you would like to get behind the wheel of a Mustang Mach-E, contact your local Gates Dealership in Essex, Hertfordshire and London.