(Photos by Michael Kinney)
By Michael Kinney
WASHINGTON D.C. — In its long history of producing high-powered automobiles, the Mustang has virtually stayed the same. Aside from a few design changes, the iconic car has been a staple of American power for decades.
That may be why it took Ford so long to decide to get into the green car game.
“In early 2018, we announced that we would significantly increase our planned investments and electric vehicles to $11 billion by 2022 and have 40 hybrid fully electric vehicles in our model lineup,” said Ford Regional Development Specialist Brian Atkinson. “We’ve said that going forward our SUVs will have at least one electrified offering, and here we just discussed some
It wasn’t until this year that Mustang has produced its first-ever electric car with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E.
The all-electric SUV was unveiled at the Washington Auto Show.
“This is a new vehicle for Ford and it’s the first time that it’s here in D.C. For the first time in 55 years, Ford is expanding the Mustang lineup with an all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, which will be joining the stable of sport coupes, convertibles, and special editions. It delivers power, it delivers style, it delivers freedom for a new generation,” Atkinson said. “The Mustang Mach-E embodies the Mustang spirit. From its sleek silhouette and muscular curves, to exhilarating drive experiences and its top performance handling, it’s purely Mustang.”
Sitting in its Grabber Blue Metallic color, the Mach E stood out among the rest of the Ford displays at the auto show.
According to Mustang’s Rhonda Nelson, one major change is that with it being electric, the Mustang’s iconic sound that roared from the engine is not part of the Mach E. That may cause some longtime Mustang owners to be apprehensive about picking up the new generation.
But while the look and sound is completely different than any other Mustang that has ever been produced, Atkinson says pony lovers will still be impressed with the power behind it.
“Some will ask, “But is it fast?” The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition brings the thrills that Mustang is famous for,” Atkinson said. “Targeting the 0-60 in the mid three-second range and an estimated 459 horsepower. So the answer? “Yeah, we think it’s fast.” Others might question if it has enough range. It will. The Mustang Mach-E instills confidence, targeting an EPA estimated range of at least 300 miles with an available extended battery.”
Ford has included built-in charging solutions that route customers to nearby public charging stations, recommending where to charge on trips, and providing access to over 12,000 public chargers within the FordPass Charging Network.
“This is not just a compliance vehicle. It wasn’t designed to check a box. The Mustang Mach-E was purposefully built,” Atkinson said. “We knew it had to go at least 300 miles, we knew it had to have an all-wheel drive option, that it had to be fast, fun and beautiful. We needed to create a vehicle that was true to the heritage of one of our most beloved icons, the Ford Mustang.”
Because the battery is located on the floor of the Mustang E, it provides for cargo space in the back and the front.
Other extras include a floating, flip-up armrest on the center console, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof. It also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
Starting sale price is around $45,000. The G.T is closer to $62,000.
“When we first shared this vehicle with the world in November, we began taking reservations,” Atkinson said. “Our first edition electric Mustang is now sold out, but we continue taking pre-orders for all the other versions, including the Premium and the GT. This vehicle will arrive in the market later this fall.”
Michael Kinney is a Freelance Content Provider