Experiencing the Mustang Mach-E reveals its exceptional adaptive cruise control, a feature that quickly became indispensable during highway driving. The intuitive thumb switches on the steering wheel simplified adjustments, particularly for maintaining safe distances from other vehicles. This, combined with the seamless one-pedal driving mode, transformed the Mach-E into a surprisingly relaxing and effortless car to navigate through traffic, highlighting its potential as an ideal commuter vehicle.
To truly assess the practicality of the charging network, a week-long test drive in the Mach-E included a journey to the Exclusive Resorts homes in Tahoe. This 200-mile trip each way presented a perfect opportunity to evaluate the ease of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, especially without home or destination charging facilities. While the Mach-E includes a Ford Mobile Charger compatible with a 120-volt outlet, its slow charging rate of approximately 3 miles per hour made DC Fast Charging stations the only viable option for this adventure.
Fortunately, Northern California boasts a well-developed and rapidly expanding charging network, largely thanks to providers like EVgo, Chargepoint, and Electrify America. Locating these stations is straightforward, with the FordPass App offering easy navigation and real-time availability updates, effectively minimizing ‘range anxiety’. Prior to the Tahoe trip, an initial charging session at an EVgo station in Mill Valley presented minor connection issues, resolved promptly with assistance from EVgo and a complimentary charge. Generally, the charging process is user-friendly, whether utilizing the FordPass App or dedicated apps from providers like EVgo, Chargepoint, or Electrify America. These apps efficiently guide drivers to the nearest available charging points, often conveniently situated in shopping centers or hotel parking areas. A typical 20-40 minute session at a DC fast charger can replenish the battery to 60-80% capacity. While charging speeds decrease beyond 80%, and a full charge can extend to a couple of hours, longer road trips simply require a bit more planning, incorporating 20-30 minute stops to top up the battery and aligning breaks with charging needs.
