Ford Promises a “Big Step Forward” in Electric Cars?
A common theme among the 8000 or so blog posts I’ve written here is that I try to fulfill the promise I made in the headline. If I start with “Ducks Breathe Easier with New Hunting Law,” you have my assurance that the content will, in fact, present information on some new law that aims to protect ducks.
Yet apparently, not everyone adheres to this code. Here’s an article on Ford’s new EV platform, the Mach-E. Where is the “big step forward?” Based on the piece, one would conclude that it’s just another EV sedan that will join along with 20 – 30 others in competition for marketshare in this crowded and largely undifferentiated space.
Craig,
The problem for all automakers lies in EV ESD technology.
Tesla has done very well within the confines of existing ESD technology, and deservedly dominates the small percentage of buyers in a fairly niche market.
Ford was a very early pioneer in EV technology and to Ford’s credit, the company has kept its EV program alive through difficult times.
Toyota is to be commended for making EV technology mainstream with a huge investment in hybrid technology and some EV models.
But, for pure BEV’s, unfortunately mass acceptance is still as far away as ever.
Consumers are still reluctant to pay a huge premium for vehicle with restricted ESD capacity.
The Mustang Mach-E, will not be a serious attempt at building a volume selling vehicle. It’s a vehicle for a niche market and to prove Ford’s EV program is still alive.
I might buy a Mach E, (if they produce a RHD version) but I can’t see many other buyers (especially among green advocates)
For me, a Mach E would evoke nostalgia. In 1969, to celebrate my promotion, I ordered a RHD, Ford Mustang mach 1, 428 cu in Ram Air Super Cobra Jet V8 4-barrel R-Code.
Because I was a serving officer in Vietnam, Ford delivered me the car in Australia just as if I were a GI. They even included specially modified air-conditioning and oil cooling and a host of other modification making the SCJ a unique factory production vehicle.
I still own the Mach 1. As it turned out, the Mach 1 wasn’t a bad investment costing less than $AUS 7000 and is now valued at nearly $Aus 700,000! (Lord, I had some fun in that car!).
However, I can’t see Craig rushing out to buy a Mach E!:)