Are EVs Worth the Hype? My Experience with the Mustang Mach-E

2024 Mustang Mach-E

My Journey to the Mustang Mach-E

My journey toward owning an EV began with a desire to step away from gasoline engines. It wasn’t just about reducing pollution—it was about the convenience of charging at home and avoiding trips to the gas station. I’ve always enjoyed the quietness of EVs and hybrids, and the idea of a calm, peaceful ride was incredibly appealing.

I initially walked away from the Mach-E after a test drive because it didn’t meet my wife’s expectations for her next car. But after we found a great replacement for her, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I loved how it looked, drove, and felt. Now, as an owner, I can say it has exceeded my expectations in every way.

Research and Comparisons

When I started seriously looking at EVs, I focused on cars that were comfortable, had enough room, and handled well. I wanted something that felt practical but also fun to drive.

I explored options from Audi, Toyota, and Honda, each of which had intriguing EVs in their lineup. While all of these brands brought something to the table, the Mustang Mach-E stood out for its sporty design, excellent driving feel, and unique features. It struck a balance between performance, practicality, and personality that I wasn’t finding elsewhere.

Driving the Mustang Mach-E

The Mach-E is the most fun car I’ve ever driven. While it’s not a sports car, it delivers a sporty experience that’s exciting every time I get behind the wheel. The instant acceleration is thrilling, and the quiet ride is a game-changer, making every trip feel calm and composed.

One of my favorite features is the driving modes. I usually drive in the calmest mode, Whisper Mode, but switching to Unbridled Mode transforms it into a sporty, responsive car. The one-pedal driving feature is another standout—it slows the car down when you lift off the accelerator, making it incredibly intuitive and easy to drive.

Charging and Range

Charging at home has been transformative. We installed a ChargePoint charger, and it works flawlessly for both the Mach-E and my wife’s plug-in hybrid. Waking up to a fully charged car each morning is a luxury I didn’t know I needed.

While I haven’t taken the Mach-E on a long trip yet, I’ve been planning for it. Fast chargers, especially Tesla’s superchargers, will be key to making cross-country travel feasible. For now, I’m keeping my trips within range, but I’m excited to push those limits in the future.

Things I Love vs. Things I Don’t

What I Love

Design: The sporty look and premium color options make the Mach-E stand out.

Features: Customizable interior lighting, seat memory, and a quirky frunk (front trunk) add practicality and fun.

Quiet Ride: It’s so quiet that conversations are effortless, and the peacefulness is unmatched.

Charging Convenience: Charging at home is simple, affordable, and eliminates trips to the gas station.

Driving Modes: Unbridled Mode and one-pedal driving make every trip feel dynamic and intuitive.

What I Don’t Love

Circular Gear Knob: I wish it had a more intuitive shifter design.

Lack of Cooled Seats: For a hot climate like Texas, this would be a welcome addition.

Infotainment System: While CarPlay is great, Ford’s built-in software feels clunky and outdated.

The Software Experience

In-Car Software

The Mach-E’s in-car software gets the job done but could use some modernization. While CarPlay works well, there’s a slight delay in wireless connectivity. Ford’s own software feels clunky in comparison, though I appreciate the seamless over-the-air updates that have kept the car running smoothly.

The iPhone App

The app is a useful tool for starting the car remotely, monitoring charging, and accessing the vehicle. However, it feels like it’s trying to sell me on premium services like BlueCruise or satellite radio, neither of which I find useful. Features like proximity unlocking could also be improved, as it’s inconsistent when I approach the car with my phone.

Ownership Experience

The Mach-E has become part of my daily routine, excelling at everything from gym trips to grocery store runs. Its utility is fantastic—it’s perfect for grabbing groceries, shopping trips, or even runs to the hardware store. The hatchback design and spacious rear area provide plenty of room for hauling everyday items, making it a highly practical choice for a family or an active lifestyle.

Charging at home has been a game-changer, eliminating gas station visits entirely. We installed a ChargePoint charger, which works flawlessly for both the Mach-E and my wife’s plug-in hybrid. Waking up to a fully charged car every morning has been one of the most convenient parts of owning an EV.

Friends and family have been impressed by the car. My wife finds it comfortable, especially the back seat, though she prefers when I drive a little smoother. My son thinks the Mach-E is “cool” and likes it better than my wife’s plug-in hybrid. Overall, the Mach-E has exceeded my expectations as a daily driver and proven itself to be far more enjoyable than I imagined.

Why I Chose to Lease

Opting for a lease was both a practical and strategic decision. It helped keep costs under control and allowed me to approach my first EV with flexibility. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about having an EV as my primary car, but the Mach-E has completely changed my mind.

Leasing also provides the benefit of turning in the car in three years and upgrading to the next generation of EVs, which will likely see significant advancements in technology, battery performance, and software. On the other hand, I already love the Mach-E so much that I might decide to buy it when the lease ends.

Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

The Mustang Mach-E has transformed how I think about driving. Its sporty feel, quiet ride, and EV conveniences make it a car I look forward to driving every day. For anyone considering an EV, I’d wholeheartedly recommend the Mach-E—especially for those who want a family-friendly car that’s still fun to drive.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore fast charging and take the Mach-E on longer trips. While there are areas for improvement, like a better shifter design or cooled seats, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I can’t imagine ever going back to a gas-powered car—this feels like the future, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

David Moulton
I guide strategic conversations and drive innovation with my customers. I lead my teams in conceptualizing and designing incredible experiences that solve real problems for businesses. Specialties: Consulting, Strategy, Innovation, Visual Design, Enterprise Software, Mobile, Sales, Multi-Touch & Multi-User Interactive Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Customer Experience (CX), Information Architecture, Usability
http://www.davidrmoulton.com
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