The Ford Mustang Mach-E is making waves, and after spending a week behind the wheel, it’s easy to see why. What particularly stood out was the adaptive cruise control system – truly exceptional for highway driving. I found myself relying on it constantly during my commutes. The intuitive thumb switches on the steering wheel made adjusting settings, especially the following distance to the car ahead, incredibly simple and safe while driving. This feature, combined seamlessly with the one-pedal driving mode, transformed the Mach-E into a surprisingly relaxing and effortless car to navigate through traffic. It struck me that the Mach-E would be an ideal choice for anyone facing the daily grind of commuting.
To really test the practicality of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and address any concerns about electric vehicle charging infrastructure, I decided to take a trip to our Exclusive Resorts properties near Lake Tahoe. This round trip would cover approximately 400 miles, a significant distance to assess the charging network, especially without having a home charger or charging available at our Tahoe destination. The Mach-E does include a portable Ford Mobile Charger, but its 120-volt outlet compatibility only provides a glacial charging speed of about 3 miles per hour, making DC Fast Charging stations the only viable option for this journey.
Fortunately, the charging network in Northern California is quite advanced and rapidly expanding, with key players like EVgo, ChargePoint, and Electrify America leading the charge. Finding charging stations is remarkably easy thanks to the FordPass App, which effectively eliminates “range anxiety.” The day before my trip, I pre-tested the EVgo station at my local Whole Foods in Mill Valley. While I encountered a minor initial connection issue requiring a quick call to EVgo support – who promptly resolved it with a complimentary charge – the overall charging experience proved to be straightforward. Whether using the FordPass App or dedicated apps from EVgo, ChargePoint, or Electrify America, locating nearby charging stations, checking their availability, and navigating to them is a breeze. These charging points are often conveniently situated at shopping centers or hotel parking areas. A typical 20 to 40-minute session at a DC fast charger can replenish the battery to around 60-80% capacity. It’s worth noting that charging speeds do decrease as the battery approaches full capacity, and achieving a 100% charge can take a couple of hours. Therefore, longer road trips in the Ford Mustang Mach-E simply require a bit of pre-planning and the patience to incorporate 20-30 minute charging stops into your journey, effectively coordinating breaks around charging needs.
