The adaptive cruise control in the Mustang Mach-E is a standout feature, quickly becoming indispensable for highway driving. The intuitive thumb switches on the steering wheel make adjusting settings, especially the following distance, incredibly simple. When combined with the one-pedal driving mode, the Mach-E transforms into a surprisingly relaxing and easy car to navigate through traffic, positioning it as an ideal choice for daily commutes.
To further test the practicality of the Mustang Mach-E, a trip to the Exclusive Resorts homes in Tahoe was planned. This 200-mile journey each way presented a perfect opportunity to evaluate the real-world usability of the EV charging network. Without home or destination charging readily available, relying on public infrastructure would be key to this electric Mustang adventure. While the included Ford Mobile Charger offers Level 1 charging via a standard 120-volt outlet, its slow rate of approximately 3 miles per hour makes DC Fast Charging stations the only viable option for efficient charging during the trip.
Fortunately, Northern California boasts a rapidly expanding and well-established charging network, particularly with providers like EVgo, Chargepoint, and Electrify America. Locating these charge stations is straightforward using the FordPass App, effectively minimizing any ‘range-anxiety’ concerns. Prior to the Tahoe trip, a visit to an EVgo station at a local Whole Foods in Mill Valley highlighted the generally seamless charging experience. Despite a minor initial connection issue that was quickly resolved with assistance from EVgo resulting in a complimentary charge, the overall process is user-friendly. Whether utilizing the FordPass App or dedicated apps from EVgo, Chargepoint, or Electrify America, drivers are easily directed to the nearest available charging points, 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 approximately 60-80% capacity. While charging speeds decrease as the battery approaches full capacity, and a complete charge can take up to a couple of hours, planning for slightly extended breaks of 20-30 minutes to top up the battery allows for seamless coordination of charging stops with planned travel breaks during longer Mustang Mach-E road trips.
