The adaptive cruise control in the Ford Mustang Mach-e is a standout feature. During my time with this electric SUV, I found myself relying on it constantly for highway driving. The thumb switches on the steering wheel are intuitively designed, making it easy to adjust settings, especially the distance from the car ahead. Combined with the convenience of one-pedal driving, the Mach-E proved surprisingly relaxing and effortless to drive, even in heavy traffic. It’s clear this vehicle would excel as a daily commuter.
To truly test the practicality of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the current charging infrastructure, I took a trip to our Exclusive Resorts homes in Tahoe. This round trip of 200 miles each way presented a perfect opportunity to evaluate the charging network, particularly as neither my home nor the Tahoe location has a dedicated charger. While the Mach-E includes a Ford Mobile Charger compatible with a standard 120-volt outlet, its slow charging rate of approximately 3 miles per hour meant relying on DC Fast Charging stations along the route was the only viable option for this journey.
Northern California boasts a rapidly expanding and well-established charging network, primarily supported by companies like EVgo, Chargepoint, and Electrify America. Finding these charging stations is straightforward, thanks to the FordPass App which conveniently locates and directs you to available chargers, effectively minimizing any ‘range anxiety’. The day before my Tahoe trip, I tested a local EVgo station at a Whole Foods Market in Mill Valley. Despite a minor initial connection issue requiring a quick call to EVgo for assistance (resulting in a complimentary charge), the overall charging process is user-friendly. Whether using the FordPass App or dedicated apps from providers like EVgo, Chargepoint, and Electrify America, navigating to the nearest charging station and checking charger availability is simple.
Typically located in shopping centers or hotel parking lots, these DC fast chargers can replenish a battery from low to around 60-80% in just 20-40 minutes. It’s worth noting that charging speeds decrease as the battery approaches full capacity, and reaching 100% can take a couple of hours. Therefore, longer road trips in the Ford Mustang Mach-E require a bit more planning and patience to accommodate 20-30 minute charging stops, effectively coordinating your breaks with charging needs. This minor adjustment to travel planning ensures a smooth and practical EV road trip experience.
