In recent months, Ford and Tesla have grabbed attention with their fierce pricing competition. The Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, two of the most popular electric cars, have seen significant price drops. Currently, the Mach-E is priced at $42,995, while the base Model Y is available for $47,490, both before any incentives.
I’ve had the chance to test different Mach-E models over the years, and they consistently rank as some of my favorite cars to drive. After spending a week with the Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 Edition, it was clear that the Mach-E not only became more affordable but also improved in quality.
One major reason for these improvements is over-the-air (OTA) updates. These updates occur overnight and add new features without needing a trip to the service center. One small yet impactful update allows the large circular dial on the infotainment screen, which was initially used solely for volume control, to now adjust the climate system’s temperature and fan speed as well. You still need to tap a button on the screen before turning the dial, but at least you avoid the frustrating sliders.
Another significant update enhances the BlueCruise feature, which lets your car drive hands-free on highways. Although you must stay alert and occasionally touch the steering wheel, it works smoothly and doesn’t constantly buzz at you for not having your hands on the wheel. Currently, BlueCruise 1.2 is only available on new Mach-E models from the factory, but Ford plans to make it available for older models in the future.
These software updates indicate that Ford understands the potential of software improvements, even if the changes are relatively minor right now. It’s impressive to see a Ford vehicle receive life-improving updates, something unthinkable just a few years ago.
However, Ford isn’t only relying on software updates. The company is also enhancing the car’s hardware. Later this year, Ford plans to introduce new Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries for standard-range Mach-E models. These new batteries will marginally increase the range—from 247 to 250 miles for rear-wheel drive models and from 224 to 226 miles for all-wheel drive models. More importantly, the new batteries will boost the car’s power by 45 horsepower and allow faster charging, cutting five minutes off charging times at DC fast chargers. The cars will also charge to full capacity more often with a slower home charger, maximizing their available range.
Hardware improvements are more expected than software updates, as carmakers typically tweak their designs annually and overhaul them more radically every five years or so. Thus, a Mach-E redesign may be on the horizon in a few years. We’ll have to see how it competes in an increasingly crowded market. Nevertheless, continuous software refinements and hardware upgrades could give Ford a competitive edge.