Ford’s upcoming Mustang Mach E electric crossover will release to some stiff competition from a growing market and its biggest competitor, the Tesla Model Y. The specification that most will always point towards when comparing electric cars will inevitably be the range. At this point the Ford Mustang Mach E loses out on that battle, but why?
For the sake of this comparison, I will be comparing the Model Y Long Range with the Mustang Mach E Premium as it represents both company’s long-range, duel-motor offerings.
While there are many arguments to be made for why the Mach E Extended Range AWD has a range of only 270 miles compared to the Model Y’s 316 miles, despite having a much larger battery, we will be focusing on the simple weight difference. Sure there are undoubtedly differences in the aerodynamics and efficiencies of motors, but the weight difference is the easiest to illustrate right now.
According to the Model Y Owner’s Manual, the Long Range AWD Model Y comes in at 4,416 pounds, while the Extended Range AWD Mach E comes in at 4,920 pounds, a whole 504 pounds heavier.
Additionally, the Mustang Mach E is not even larger than the Model Y to justify the increased weight.
- Length: 186 in. vs. 187 in.
- Width: 74 in. vs. 75.6 in.
- Height: 63 in. vs. 63.9 in.
So yes while they are very similar, the Model Y is indeed larger.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that more weight equals less efficiency. Why is there such a difference in weight despite the largely similar size in cars? Is all the extra weight coming from the almost 100 kWh battery Ford is forced to use to even get a range close to 300 miles?
It just once again highlights the advantage that Tesla continues to have in the battery and electric motor efficiency. The AWD Standard Range Mach E, which has a battery closer in size found to the one in the Model Y has only a range of 210 miles. This, however, is Ford’s first generation of electric powertrain, so there is some understanding that they wouldn’t match Tesla who has had over a decade headstart.
These ranges provided by the Mach E will be more than enough for the average driver, but the more range-conscious among them might feel more comfortable driving in the Model Y, despite it not being able to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit that Ford is still eligible for.
The numbers Ford provided are still not finalized and are at this point, targets. Meaning that it is still possible that Ford might be able to find some more performance before production starts this year.
What do you guys think? Is the lower range going to be a big detractor to the Mach E sales? Is the difference in range largely due to the increased weight and presumably less efficient motor(s)? Let us know down in the comments below.
