Mustang Mach-E 2021 electric car owner review

John R drives a Mustang Mach-E Extended Range RWD 88kWh 2021 electric car, standard spec.

This is John’s first electric car, he’s owned the Mustang Mach-E 3-4 years and drives between 10,000-15,000 miles per year. The current mileage is between 40,000-50,000 miles and he achieves 295 miles range from an 80% charge.

Why did you choose the Mustang Mach-E?

Bear in mind the choice 4 years ago was quite a bit less than today. We initially looked at the VW ID.4 but after a test drive decided to look at some other brands. The Ford dealer was local so we went there (with my wife and 2 teenage daughters).

The Mach-E was an immediate favourite. We arranged for a test drive and were impressed with the interior finish, size, comfort and performance. The large info screen was ‘futuristic’ and all the little extra touches like hands-free boot opening all added to the feeling of quality.

Positives

The most enduring quality is the quietness when driving, but I really love the sweeping, curving body shape too.

Negatives

The suspension on this model at least, tends to be a little harsh (maybe the wrong word, as it’s not that bad). I notice it more as a front seat passenger, but I find it a little uncomfortable to rest my head back as it has a tendency to bounce your head about. Maybe its just me, as my wife drops off to sleep no problem!

Compared to when you first bought the car, does your battery still charge at the same rate & do you still get the same range?

I’m not a stickler for making notes on things like this but as far as I can say nothing has changed in either regard.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

Ford issued a recall for a connector to the battery that had to be changed. Sometimes there are odd things that happen but nothing that doesn’t seem to sort itself out. There is one thing that we haven’t bothered to report and that is to do with the car’s ability to read road speed signs. Near us is a bridge that has a 60mph speed limit. Some of the signs are electronic with the figures being formed by a series of small round lights. Unfortunately, the car has a problem in recognising the 6 and interprets it as an 8. Hence it thinks the speed limit is 80mph, which, if you are on cruise control, results in a rapid acceleration. Not helpful as it’s in an Average Speed Camera zone!

What are the standout technological features of the car?

The near self-drive feature was fascinating to use. You still have to have your hands on the steering wheel (if you don’t it alerts you and soon abandons the self-steering). We never use the self-parking feature for some reason. Probably because both of us can park ourselves, thank you!

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about your Mustang Mach-E

One thing I hadn’t picked up from the literature was the projection of a Mustang horse onto the ground as you approach with a key!

What’s the biggest or funniest myth you’ve heard about EVs?

I guess the one that most people are familiar with is the fact that EVs are always catching fire. Not seen that myself!

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

Polestar 4 – this model was in development when we got the Mustang and I thought then, “I want one!” I just love the shape, the interior is amazing, and the rear view screen gives such a superb view to the rear (who needs a window anyway), and its not an SUV shape!

Home charging unit

For most of the time we’ve had a Pod Point Solo which worked faultlessly for nearly 4 years. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go so we have now changed to a Hypervolt Home 3 Pro. So far, no issues at all and it’s got some pretty fancy lighting effects too!

Electricity supplier & tariff

Intelligent Octopus Go – you need to have either a compatible car or charger to get onto this tariff. Our Mustang was OK, but not the Pod Point. Our new Polestar 4 is not either, hence the change to Hypervolt. The amazing thing with this tariff is that whilst you always get cheap rates between 11.30pm and 5.30am (currently 7p per kWh), once you plug your car in Octopus works its magic calculating how long it needs to charge and when (bearing in mind electricity demand, green supply etc). Octopus informs you what times it has come up with, subject to some parameters you add into the App. You will then get all your household electricity usage at the cheap rate. Simply brilliant!

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

IONITY are good but we also have an Octopus Electroverse card (gives you access to hundreds of suppliers) and also we subscribe to Zapmap, for the same reasons. 3 or 4 years ago we had more issues but now most seem to be spot on.

Insurance

Yoga – cheapest we could find last year. Haven’t had cause to test them out, thankfully.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a Mustang Mach-E

When charging at home fuel savings are enormous. If we had to use public, high speed charging it’s pretty similar to petrol. Road tax was zero, but that’s changed now. We had a servicing contract so can’t comment on that really.