It’s not clear whether the “E” of the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E stands for energy, enthusiasm, or the environment. You may think it is all three, since this BEV (battery electric vehicle) runs on clean energy stored in its lithium-ion battery pack. In this way, Ford’s blue logo could actually be going green.
Ford has shown a commitment to clean, renewable energy with the development of its Ford Blue Oval plants in Tennessee and Kentucky. The Volunteer State of Tennessee will get a new mega-campus to develop electric vehicles, while the Bluegrass State of Kentucky will see the creation of twin battery plants. It seems fitting, since Ford Blue Oval looks to help grass grow all over Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as throughout the country. In all, Ford will be investing over $11.4 billion into the development of zero-emission vehicles at new plants that will be the most efficient in the country’s storied history.
The first of these zero-emission vehicles is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, a BEV that shares its name with the famed sports car, built on an aerodynamic SUV platform. The Mustang Mach-E earns the Mustang name with its exceptional acceleration, but also earns high marks for its energy efficiency and elimination of emission pollutants.
Saving Energy While Delivering Performance
Each 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E features either one or two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. There are two standard range models that feature a 72 kWh battery pack. This battery pack consists of 288 cells and will provide a maximum range of 247 miles on rear-wheel drive vehicles, and 224 miles on all-wheel drive models. This motor provides an output of 266 horsepower and either 317 lb-ft of torque on rear-wheel drive models or 428 lb-ft of torque on all-wheel drive Mustang Mach-E vehicles. As with most BEVs, the torque comes on instantly as soon as the accelerator is depressed. The standard range models with all-wheel drive can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds.
There are also three extended range models, which come paired with a larger 91 kWh lithium-ion battery pack consisting of 376 cells. The rear-wheel drive extended range Mustang Mach-E provides the longest estimated mileage of the five different models with an impressive 314 miles on a fully charged battery. This model also gives you 290 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, making the Mustang Mach-E capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds.
The extended range Ford Mustang Mach-E with all-wheel drive has an EPA estimated range of 312 miles. This is only slightly less than the rear-wheel drive model, and comes with the added traction provided by all-wheel drive. It also delivers higher output of 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, capable of propelling this model to 60 miles per hour in an impressive 4.8 seconds.
The best acceleration is found on the extended range GT model. This comes with standard all-wheel drive, and delivers exceptional output of 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque. This Mustang Mach-E GT is able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an eye-blinking 3.5 seconds. However, this performance will reduce maximum range to 270 miles.
Each of these powertrains comes with the benefit of reducing your vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions to zero. This is because it runs on electricity only, unlike a hybrid that still uses gasoline. One of the key benefits of driving a BEV is that you are no longer subject to the fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels, so you can save money while helping to save the environment.
Sensible Charging Solutions
All of that electricity in the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s lithium-ion battery pack has to come from somewhere. This is why Ford has given this vehicle a number of different charging solutions. First, it comes with a Ford Mobile Power Cord, which enables you to charge this at any public DC fast charging station, including ones maintained as part of the Ford BlueOval Charge Network in North America. This allows you to get up to 150 kW of DC fast charging capability on extended range models, and 115 kW of DC fast charging for standard range ones. The software on the Mustang Mach-E’s SYNC 4A infotainment system will help you locate the nearest BlueOval charger to your vehicle, or even map out a route if you are taking a road trip in your Mustang Mach-E.
The Ford Mobile Power Cord also enables you to charge your Mustang Mach-E at home. If your only have access to a 120-volt at home, you can charge up to 15 amps, while a 240 volt outlet can charge up to 32 amps. The home charging speed will depend on your home’s electrical system, as well as the grid from your local utility provider. Still, this is a great way to recharge your Mustang Mach-E’s battery pack while you get some much-needed sleep.
Like most BEVs, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E features regenerative braking. This system helps give a slight recharge to the battery every time you slow down. Releasing the accelerator pedal captures a portion of the vehicle’s kinetic energy, turns it into electricity, and sends it to the Mustang Mach-E’s battery pack. This is why you may get even better range when driving on local roads where you have to slow down frequently.
Take a BlueCruise Into the Future
BlueCruise 1.2 is Ford’s latest innovation, a form of autonomous driving system. This feature allows you to drive hands-free on specially mapped highways across the United States. It is standard on most models of the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, and available as an option on entry-level trims.
Ford has created special Hands-Free Blue Zones on highways across North America. Currently, more than 130,000 miles of roads are part of the system. When you engage the BlueCruise feature on one of these roads, your Mustang Mach-E will take over the steering, acceleration, and braking of your vehicle. All you have to do is watch, as the system requires the driver to stay focused and be ready to take evasive action if necessary.
Not only will BlueCruise reduce driver fatigue, it will also help reduce accident, and provide more efficient performance of your Mustang Mach-E. The system works by using sensors throughout the vehicle to spot all of the other vehicles on the Blue Zone highway, and adjust its performance to match that of the real time information it is receiving. One of Ford’s goals with BlueCruise is to make driving safer than ever for all motorists.
An Luxurious Yet Environmentally Friendly Interior
Ford gives you a luxury SUV in the 2023 Mustang Mach-E, but with a difference. Not only is it a BEV, but it also has an interior that you would expect in a more luxurious model. However, just like you see in so many movies, no animals were harmed in the making of this vehicle. Ford has upholstered the interior of the Mustang Mach-E with a synthetic fabric known as ActiveX. This seating material will be cool in summer, warm in winter, and gorgeous to look at in any season. But unlike leather, it is environmentally friendly. The production of leather not only involves the slaughter of cattle, but also the damage done to the environment through the raising of livestock.
Even the steering wheel on the 2023 Mustang Mach-E has been made with an eye toward the environment. When you put your hands on the wheel, you’ll be certain that it has been wrapped in supple leather. However, the designers at Ford have chosen a high-quality soft vinyl product to wrap the steering wheel. This allows you to have the grip you want without any of the guilt associated with leather.
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E also allows you to cut down on your use of wires for your devices. You can link your smartphone to the SYNC 4A infotainment system using wireless Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. In addition, the SYNC 4A features a built-in navigation system that is connected so you get real time route guidance. In addition, each Mustang Mach-E features a wireless Qi charging pad to keep your devices powered up during your trip without cables. This is conveniently located in the space between the driver and front passenger seats.
A Green BEV That Doesn’t Skimp on Performance and Luxury
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E was built with the environment in mind. The vehicle’s battery power helps reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, while its zero remissions will reduce your own personal carbon footprint. In addition, you and your passengers will be in a luxury, high performance environment that was built with minimal harm to the environment. The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E can be your own clean, green, driving machine.
