And unlike some vehicles that require owners to wait while a software update takes place, Ford has developed a way to allow secure updates to download in the background, and in some cases, be completed in under two minutes1.
“The beauty of the Mustang Mach-E is that what our customers experience on day one is just the beginning – it will evolve to add even more features and capabilities over time,” said John Vangelov, connected services manager, Ford Motor Company. “Our clever over-the-air updates also minimize downtime through incredibly fast activation and ensure your Mustang Mach-E is always getting better, even when you’re asleep.”
These improvements go well beyond SYNC® updates. Nearly all Mustang Mach-E computer modules can be updated wirelessly, meaning Ford can provide performance enhancements and entirely new features that might not exist when customers first take delivery of their vehicles.
Some installations will be virtually invisible to customers, who can select a regular time – such as the middle of the night – for updates while their Mustang Mach-E is parked. Many updates will be completed almost instantly after a customer starts their vehicle, while in-vehicle alerts will tell them what improvements have been installed. Many can be completed in under two minutes, and more complex updates that might require the vehicle to be parked for longer can be scheduled to take place when customers find it most convenient.
Ford expects to deliver its first updates within six months after the first Mustang Mach-E vehicles are in the hands of customers. Owners will receive notifications detailing software updates when they are available, which can then be applied using either Wi-Fi or cellular connections, depending on the update.
Mustang Mach-E is just the start when it comes to this technology. In 2020, Ford will begin equipping most redesigned vehicles in the U.S. with advanced over-the-air update capability for quick and easy wireless upgrades that can help enhance quality, capability and improve the ownership experience over time while reducing dealer trips.
Ford delivering for its customers even during a pandemic
To ensure Mustang Mach-E launches with this advanced capability as planned, Ford’s engineering team has found new ways to develop and test over-the-air updates in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, teams would have to get together in the same physical space to access all the different vehicle modules needed to test over-the-air capabilities – but work-from-home requirements mean engineers needed to think fast to change the way they operate.
The team moved swiftly to set up remote access to all of the vehicle modules, even wiring them with tools enabling engineers to quickly reprogram modules from their homes. What initially took five hours to program remotely can now be done in under 10 minutes.
“By quickly implementing remote access to our vehicle components, we’re ensuring our Mustang Mach-E customers can enjoy the great capabilities they’ve been looking forward to from the start, while providing the accommodations our engineers need to continue innovating from the safety of their homes,” said Vangelov.
The all-new Mustang Mach-E can add an estimated average of 61 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes at an Electrify America DC fast charging station with the extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive1 – an improvement of approximately 14 miles or 30 percent versus previous estimates.
“Mustang customers love the open road and less time recharging means more time enjoying the drive,” said Mark Kaufman, Ford global director, electrification. “We’ve made it a priority to make it faster to recharge their Mustang Mach-E, and we’re continuing to work with providers to ensure even more charge points are available through FordPass to make it easier to recharge.”
The all-wheel-drive version with extended-range battery is estimated to add an average of 52 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes as well. Both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive configurations are estimated to achieve a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in approximately 45 minutes while charging on a DC fast charging station2.
Mustang Mach-E with standard-range battery is estimated to add an average of 46 miles of range in 10 minutes for rear-wheel-drive models1 and 42 miles for all-wheel-drive models, with a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in approximately 38 minutes while charging on a DC fast charging station2.
Ford and its network providers have expanded the FordPass Charging Network to include an additional 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations and 5,000 charge plugs, giving future Mustang Mach-E owners even more confidence for planning their journeys. This brings the total number of charging stations and individual charge plugs in the FordPass Charging Network – easily accessible via the FordPass app3 – to more than 13,500 and almost 40,000, respectively, linking to the largest electric vehicle public charging network in North America⁴.
“We’re pleased with the continued expansion of the FordPass Charging Network and progress on DC fast charging for Mustang Mach-E ahead of its launch,” said Matt Stover, Ford director of charging, energy services and business development. “We’re continually looking at ways to improve the customer experience for all aspects of charging for future Ford all-electric vehicles, so expect more updates to come.”
Chart your own course using this interactive map, which will help you find the nearest charging stations on the FordPass network on your route.
Home charging made easy
Ford has made EV home charging as easy as charging a smartphone. The available 48-amp Ford Connected Charge Station will be able to charge a Mustang Mach-E in 10.1 hours or 30 miles per charging hour. Every Ford all-electric vehicle will come standard with a Ford mobile charger, which is capable of charging on a higher-voltage 240-volt electrical outlet and can add an average range of 21 miles per charging hour1,5.
With the higher-power outlet, Mustang Mach-E with extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive can go from 0 to 100 percent charge in approximately 14.1 hours1,5, while a standard 120-volt electrical outlet will result in an average range of three miles per charging hour1,5.