Tesla, EVs, And The Auto Industry's Response
Is a third volume car on the way? They may not be making it for almost a year. I, at least, am not clear on how battery supplies may limit their ability to build them (that could be my fault for not really paying attention until production plans are final). Their charging strategy, while perhaps not yet completely revealed, still seems to fall short of Tesla's. So I am wary. But I am excited about tomorrow's announcement. A decent-looking compact SUV with specs - and as important, pricing - extremely close to the Model Y. Some real-sounding marketing (although hard to distinguish volume from halo marketing until the car is really released). They are using both the Mustang and Mach names, which are valuable properties that I am sure they don't want to dilute. It's hard to be sure, but this could be the real thing. The only thing I don't like about my 3 is that it's not a hatchback. Given that my wife's X is our road-trip car, I could conceivably replace my 3 with one of these. I am not at all sure that I will, but I sure as heck will be checking it out. Speaking of which, I drove an i-Pace at the Seattle Auto Show yesterday. I like the styling, and the hatchback format. It seems quite comfortable for 4 adults. Still no good distance charging plan, but again my wife's X can handle that, so the i-Pace would work as our second car. P3D, I would far prefer to keep my Tesla. A nice first gen EV from Ford.
When it arrives in late 2020, Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles.1 In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, Mach-E is targeting 332 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. 60 mph than the base Porsche Macan series. Ford also will offer two special performance versions. The GT is targeting 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, making it faster off the line than a Porsche Macan Turbo. The GT Performance Edition, meanwhile, is targeting a comparable 0-60 mph in the mid-3-second range to a Porsche 911 GTS. Both GT configurations are targeting an estimated 342 kW (459 horsepower) and 830 Nm (612 lb.-ft.) of torque. 鈥淭he Mustang Mach-E wholeheartedly rejects the notion that electric vehicles are only good at reducing gas consumption,鈥?said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford鈥檚 chief product development and purchasing officer. 500 reservation deposit.4 A limited First Edition will be available in extended-range all-wheel drive, with red painted brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, contrasting seat stitching and a scuff plate marked First Edition.
In addition to blistering acceleration, Mustang Mach-E will be available with Brembo鈥檚 all-new performance Flexira aluminum calipers, which maintain the functionality of a fixed caliper while being designed with the dimensions of a floating caliper. The GT Performance Edition is equipped with a MagneRide damping system, adaptive suspension technology that lets drivers hug the road while delivering an exciting, comfortable ride. Mustang Mach-E delivers three unique drive experiences - Whisper, Engage and Unbridled - each offering finely tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience. Features include custom-designed vehicle responsiveness such as sportier steering controls, ambient lighting, sounds tuned for an authentic all-electric experience, and dynamic cluster animations that are tied to driving behavior. When the vehicle launches, a new Mach-E 4 all-wheel drive system will be available that can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles to deliver impressive acceleration and improved handling over the rear-wheel drive model.
Ford tuned this system to provide excellent traction on the road, rigorously testing the vehicle in wet and snowy terrain to help control for slippery conditions. Mach-E is the first production vehicle to be tuned by the Ford Performance team utilizing Ford鈥檚 racing simulator in North Carolina. Making its debut in the Mach-E is the next-generation SYNC communications and entertainment system, a sleek and modern interface that uses machine learning to quickly learn drivers鈥?preferences, and gets even better over time thanks to advanced over-the-air updates. Next-generation SYNC鈥檚 15.5-inch screen and simple interface ditches complicated menus, making it easier to access features with touch, swipe and pinch controls that every smartphone owner will be comfortable using. 鈥淣ext-generation SYNC actively starts adapting to you as soon as you start using it, quickly learning your preferences and making personalized suggestions,鈥?said Darren Palmer, Ford global director for battery electric vehicles. 鈥淚t can suggest going to the gym if it learns Mondays are workout days or calling home if you do that every day after work.
Using Ford鈥檚 new all-electric architecture that places batteries inside the underbody, Ford engineers and designers were able to create a vehicle that鈥檚 not only true to Mustang but also maximizes SUV space for five passengers and cargo. The Mach-E is instantly recognizable as a Mustang, thanks to signature elements such as its long, powerful hood, rear haunch design, aggressive headlights and trademark tri-bar taillamps. Clever design and engineering delivers surprising rear seat roominess and ample cargo space. Along with its all-new propulsion system, the Mach-E holds another surprise under its hood - a drainable front trunk storage unit. Providing 4.8 cubic feet of storage space, the front trunk is large enough to comfortably store the equivalent of a carryon luggage bag. And because it鈥檚 drainable, customers can easily pack it full of ice and keep their favorite beverages cold - perfect for that pre-game tailgate or trip to the beach. To truly take advantage of the extra space provided by electrification, Ford designers worked extensively with customers to understand how they would prefer to use the interior of their vehicles.
