For years, within automotive circles, I was the quintessential fence-sitter. A car brand agnostic, perpetually oscillating between options, especially when electric vehicles (EVs) entered the conversation. I admired the early adopters, the fearless trendsetters embracing the electric revolution, but personally, I remained hesitant. Torn between curiosity and caution, I likely drove everyone around me, including patient car salespeople, absolutely crazy with my indecision.
Then, the perfect alignment of circumstances occurred, and I finally committed.
Ford’s irresistible two-year lease offer arrived on Tuesday and sealed the deal. By nightfall, a stunning 2024 Vapor Blue Mustang Mach-E graced my driveway.
Phoebe Wall Howard with her 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, a stylish electric SUV, at Port Huron beach. Lake Huron provides a scenic backdrop, highlighting the vehicle’s modern design. (Photo: C. John Anter)
I only wish my father could have witnessed this moment, to experience this drive. This battery-powered marvel glides along the road with an almost stealthy silence, yet possesses an undeniable power. Highway merging is now seamless, acceleration is instant. This immediate responsiveness is inherent to electric motors, which deliver 100% torque from the moment you press the pedal, a stark contrast to the revving required by internal combustion engines to generate torque.
The panoramic glass roof bathes the interior in natural light, even moonlight. While the practicalities of life remain – my trunk still accommodates everything from gardening supplies to donation bags – a new storage solution has emerged: the “frunk.” This front trunk, occupying the space traditionally reserved for an engine, has become my dedicated grocery compartment. Its novelty still turns heads in parking lots, often leading to humorous encounters. As a woman, I’ve become accustomed to well-meaning men offering assistance upon seeing the hood raised, assuming engine trouble.
Settling into the driver’s seat feels remarkably right. Perhaps influenced by my history with an all-wheel-drive Jeep, I opted for the all-wheel-drive Mach-E, ensuring confident handling in all conditions.
Executive Teasing and Jeep Loyalty
Ford CEO Jim Farley couldn’t hide his playful dismay when he saw me arrive at a company event in a Jeep. He jokingly declared it “killed him” and vowed to get me behind the wheel of a Ford. Similarly, Joe Hinrichs, a former Ford executive now CEO at CSX Railroad, years ago reacted with mock exasperation upon learning my vehicle of choice was exclusively Jeeps.
But I digress, or perhaps this context is crucial.
Phoebe Wall Howard captures a selfie in her Jeep Grand Cherokee, a final drive to the dealership, marking the end of an era before transitioning to the Mustang Mach-E. (Credit: PWH)
A confluence of factors propelled my decision to embrace car payments once more. The persistent oil leaks from our aging 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its impressive 243,000 miles, became increasingly bothersome. The final straw? The air conditioning failure in May.
My interactions with Jay Baldwin at Northgate Ford in Port Huron had been ongoing and extensive. He patiently addressed countless questions, navigating my undercover inquiries (using my husband’s name, in a misguided attempt at secrecy). After numerous emails, I ultimately declared we had changed our minds. Instead of the expected salesperson frustration, Jay responded with a gracious note, thanking me for considering Northgate. This professionalism left a lasting positive impression.
A Dealership Dash and Saying Goodbye to a BMW
The evening we finalized the lease for this beautiful car was a race against time. The dealership was closing at 6 p.m., and we were in a rush because Jay had promised his mother he wouldn’t be late for her birthday dinner. Dean Tagliavia, the remarkably patient business manager, expertly navigated the paperwork using a blend of old-school calculator and vintage printer technology, ensuring everything was flawlessly executed.
Ford didn’t just gain a convert from a loyal Jeep owner; they also inherited the trade-in of my cherished 2004 convertible BMW 330ci with 157,000 miles. I was fully committed to this Ford venture. I even opted for the tire protection plan, guaranteeing repair, replacement, and roadside assistance for tire-related issues. Given the substantial weight of EVs and my Jeep driving history, the extra $15 monthly felt like a prudent investment, especially considering the escalating cost of modern wheels, with replacements for a Lincoln Navigator potentially reaching $2,000 each.
No Waiting, No Range Worries with Mustang EV
The truth is, my familiarity with the Mach-E dates back almost three years. I had test-driven an early model for ten days and was thoroughly impressed. I became an instant advocate, taking skeptical friends, particularly Mustang purists who initially scoffed at the notion of an electric pony car, for drives that consistently left them speechless.
However, purchasing one felt like a leap of faith. “What if” scenarios filled my mind. Could I adapt to driving without the ingrained habit of fueling up? Would the charging process induce anxiety? The answer, unequivocally, is no.
The iconic Mustang emblem takes center stage on the Mach-E steering wheel, blending classic muscle car heritage with modern electric vehicle technology. (Photo: PWH)
Now, after years without a car lease payment, I’m happily embracing it again. Following a $4,000 down payment, my monthly installments are $558.33 for the Premium Mach-E SUV, boasting a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $53,785 (including the peace-of-mind tire and wheel protection).
Each morning, I begin my day with a fully charged battery – no gas station lines, no fuel stops. Weekend trips to Grand Blanc to visit my Aunt Poppy for our house-cleaning ritual are now range-worry free.
This transition is not unique to me. Ford has reported record-breaking Mach-E sales for the first half of the year, with 22,234 units sold, a remarkable 58% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to Ford U.S. sales analyst Erich Merkle. Since 2021, Ford has sold 129,606 Mach-Es in the U.S. alone. The Mach-E currently ranks as the second best-selling EV in the U.S., trailing only Tesla’s Model Y.
Enhanced Range and Thoughtful Features
Yes, I opted for the extended range battery, boosting the driving range to 320 miles on a single charge, up from the standard 250 miles. However, range anxiety is largely irrational. Even with the standard battery, a round trip from Sarnia, Canada, across the Blue Water Bridge, to Detroit and back – twice – would be easily achievable. The extended range simply provides an extra buffer, particularly useful in extreme temperatures which can impact battery performance.
Meanwhile, my husband, an electrician by trade, efficiently sourced a Level 2 home charger from Amazon.com for $550. An additional $250 at Lowe’s secured a 125-foot wire coil and $16 for a breaker. He expertly ran the wiring through the garage rafters, into the attic, down the wall to the basement, and finally to the electrical panel, creating versatile charging options both inside and outside the garage.
Approaching the Mach-E at night, key fob in my purse, the Mustang pony logo illuminates the driveway, a welcoming beacon guiding entry into the car.
Features like the real-time range calculator and integrated navigation to nearby charging stations, including community colleges and Ford dealerships, contribute to a sense of security. Granting family member access to a vehicle tracking app further enhances peace of mind.
In the past, a tracker on my key fob was a safety measure, given my frequent solo travels at all hours. Once, battling fatigue on a workday, I pulled into a rest area for a nap. My husband promptly called to ensure my well-being.
Robert Wall of Algonac, Michigan, proudly poses with his daughter Phoebe Wall Howard on her wedding day in Greenbrae, California. He cherished sharing his passion for cars with her. (Photo: Lisa Kressbach)
Shortly before my father’s passing, he expressed a desire to ride in the Rapid Red Mach-E I was test driving. A lifelong Mustang enthusiast with a deep appreciation for automotive innovation, he admired the Mach-E from afar, parked in his Algonac driveway. Sadly, his illness prevented him from ever experiencing it firsthand.
He is with me now, in spirit, on every drive.
Phoebe Wall shares a playful moment with her father Robert T. Wall, a dedicated car collector and Detroit auto show regular, who instilled in her an early appreciation for automobiles.
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