Ford has finally debuted its first electric car joining the ever growing list of automakers releasing electrified models. Its all new, all electric, mid-size SUV and is expected to hit production by the end of 2020. Tesla’s next vehicle to hit the market is Model Y cross-over which will be coming to the dealerships by summer of 2020.
Battery Range
Ford will be releasing its Mach-E in 6 different versions. The first two configurations to be offered will be Premium and First Edition. The First Edition will do 270 miles on a single charge, while the Premium version will have range of 300 miles. On other side, Tesla’s Model Y will be offered in 4 configurations. Initially two versions will be offered, Performance and Long Range. The Performance variant will do 280 miles and Long Range will have 300 miles range on a single charge. The lowest priced variants Model Y Standard Range and Mach-E Select will both have 230 miles range. So in terms of battery range you’ll get almost the same range for both of these cars.
Performance
To earn its spot in the Mustang lineup, Mach-E has two performance models called Mach-E GT and Mach-E GT Performance. Both of these models make 459 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. The Performance version can do 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds, that’s in the same league as Porsche 911 GTS. On the other hand Tesla Model Y can do 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds as well. The top speed of Mach-E haven’t been revealed yet, but for Tesla Model Y its electronically limited to 155 mph.
Cargo Space
Both of these cars are spacious and offer plenty of storage space. The total cargo space for Mustang Mach-E is 64.4 cubic feet, while Tesla Model Y has 66 cubit feet.
Technology
One of the most attractive aspect of Model Y is that it offers almost identical technology to Model 3. The dashboard is as minimalistic as it can get, but its main attention is its 15 inch screen that replaced all knobs and buttons and gives the driver everything they need from odo-meter to infotainment system. But Ford did a little better here in terms of convenience by offering 10.2 inch touch screen instrument cluster, and also a 15.5 inch portrait style center touch screen infotainment system. Tesla Model Y offers its popular semi-autonomous pilot system, while Mach E is available with hands free driving system similar to industry standard of Cadillac’s super cruise.
Styling
Now this is going to be a totally subjective matter as everyone has their own opinion on style. Elon Musk himself mentioned that Model Y is 75% based on Tesla’s Model 3 whose platform it uses. So it kind of looks like a tall sedan than a crossover. While it uses most of the parts from Model 3, it also uses some features from its big brother Model X, particularly the third row. Because of so many similarities with other Tesla models, the Model Y is the least innovative car they have come with. However since crossovers are in hot demand, Tesla has high hope for the success of this vehicle.
If you’re looking for a more sporty and better looking SUV, then Mach-E is hands down the clear winner here. However, Mustang fanbase is not happy with Ford forcing an EV SUV into the Mustang lineup. Ford insists that the Mach-E design is based on the iconic Mustang muscle car, but when looking at it, there doesn’t seem to be much similarities other than sharing Mustang badge. Regardless, Ford should be appreciated for offering a nifty design for its first electric sports utility vehicle.
Price
Price is the main concern most customers share. The Ford Mach-E Select base model has a starting price of $43,895, while the high-end GT trim will start at $60,500. However, both of these models will not be available to purchase on next year release. The version which you will be able to buy is the Premium trim with a price tag of $50,900.
Model Y will start from $39,900 for its base model called Standard Range, while its Performance version will start from $60,900. However, just like Mach-E, the standard version will not be available on its initial release in 2020. The trim which will be available is Long Range version with starting price of $52,000. Tesla expects its Model Y Standard version production to begin in 2021, however people are hoping that the company doesn’t run into some issue similar to the release of Model 3 where buyers had to wait over a year to get their cars.
Conclusion
Mustang customers are unhappy with Ford sharing their muscle car’s name with an electric SUV, but looking at the final product, we can clearly see that Ford means business when it comes to capturing EV market. With the styling, specs, technology and pricing, they can easily compete with the biggest names in the EV market. Ford has definitely proven that it can handle the battery powered future.
