2021 Mustang Mach-e Premium

[OVERKILL]

I will happily do without a 17" computer monitor on my dash. Just give me a Dodge Ram size integrated screen at the most. Frankly, I've never ever needed more than whatever size screen is in my 2019 Jetta.

Sounds like the e-tron interior might be more your speed then

 

[OVERKILL]

It will be interesting to find out when it comes to OTA updates - what is and isnt OTA - how deep does the Ford go?

Its one thing to update a map and or some gauges...but to alter the car like reducing stopping distance, tweaking AWD... what's software and what's firmware that needs to be updated at the dealership?

Unanswered questions..

Does a single computer control car like a tesla?
Can an update brick a car?
What will be changed as far as charging speed or acceleration - will ford have to " nerf the car" to maintain warranty times.
Whats long term degradation like?
How is performance and range effected at the ends of tea extremes
Is EA or ionity going to be sufficient for long term travel ?
Will they catch fire?
Will accidents cause death and at what rate vs the ice lineup?

Found a partial answer to this:

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2020/05/12/new-ford-over-the-air-updates-mustang-mach-e.html

Owners of the all-new all-electric Mustang Mach-E won’t need to worry about keeping up with the Joneses, thanks to over-the-air updates that work to continuously improve the SUV over the vehicle’s life without leaving home.

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.

So it sounds like it still uses multiple modules (rather than a single computer) but that all of these modules can be updated OTA, and that's the direction Ford is headed overall.

 

[JeffKeryk]

So it sounds like it still uses multiple modules (rather than a single computer) but that all of these modules can be updated OTA, and that's the direction Ford is headed overall.

OVERKILL, I have to believe all makes are going this. OTA updates seem to offer so much benefit.

 

[tc1446]

Sounds like the e-tron interior might be more your speed then

I had a '21 E Tron for a day while my Q3 was in for service. I had controls like a regular car and I liked it a lot. No computer screen. Other than a Bolt, its the only EV ive ever driven. I think one of some type will be in my future...soon.

 

[Spector]

I have driven one, excellent, daughter has ordered one. Ford is bypassing the dealer on these for ordering new ones, salesperson stated it has to be ordered directly from Ford, you do have to name a dealership though. I believe Ford is attemtping to go the Tesla model on ordering. Since most people believe buying a new car from a dealer is a terrible experience they are trying the direct sales route.

Great car to drive, plenty of power, handles well and some storage space in front unlike the VW or Volvo. The price is steep though even if it qualifies for the 7,500 tax credit.

 

[Zee09]

I have driven one, excellent, daughter has ordered one. Ford is bypassing the dealer on these for ordering new ones, salesperson stated it has to be ordered directly from Ford, you do have to name a dealership though. I believe Ford is attemtping to go the Tesla model on ordering. Since most people believe buying a new car from a dealer is a terrible experience they are trying the direct sales route.

Great car to drive, plenty of power, handles well and some storage space in front unlike the VW or Volvo. The price is steep though even if it qualifies for the 7,500 tax credit.

Congratulations
The 3 year free charging with VW
is a good deal though.

 

[Snagglefoot]

 

[UncleDave]

Found a partial answer to this:

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2020/05/12/new-ford-over-the-air-updates-mustang-mach-e.html

So it sounds like it still uses multiple modules (rather than a single computer) but that all of these modules can be updated OTA, and that's the direction Ford is headed overall.

It will be interesting to see a comprehensive teardown by someone like sandy munro.

Typically multiple computers is more expensive, requires longer and more wiring , and introduces more latency into a system.

 

[OVERKILL]

I had a '21 E Tron for a day while my Q3 was in for service. I had controls like a regular car and I liked it a lot. No computer screen. Other than a Bolt, its the only EV ive ever driven. I think one of some type will be in my future...soon.

Yes, the e-tron is very "traditional vehicle" even its operation. It isn't setup for one pedal driving either, which both the Mach-E and Tesla vehicles are. The e-tron also has an excellent charge curve; one of the best. My main gripes were some of what I felt were cheap choices on door panel material and seating material on the non "Luxury Package" version of their highest trim model. My wife also absolutely hated it, so that made it a vehicle that would have been difficult to hold onto.

I owned a '19 for about a month during which my wife made significant efforts to like it, but to no avail.

 

[OVERKILL]

It will be interesting to see a comprehensive teardown by someone like sandy munro.

Typically multiple computers is more expensive, requires longer and more wiring , and introduces more latency into a system.

But is also very "typical" for traditional vehicles, and thus traditional/legacy manufacturers.

 

[UncleDave]

But is also very "typical" for traditional vehicles, and thus traditional/legacy manufacturers.

It is.

Its going to be interesting seeing how BEV's affect the bottom line of each manufacturer.
With between 30 and 50 computers/microcontrollers in an average car and up to 100 in some this becomes complex to update, install replace.....

By working towards minimization of components the car becomes easier to build and is easier to make profitably.

 

[OVERKILL]

It is.

Its going to be interesting seeing how BEV's affect the bottom line of each manufacturer.
With between 30 and 50 computers/microcontrollers in an average car and up to 100 in some this becomes complex to update, install replace.....

By working towards minimization of components the car becomes easier to build and is easier to make profitably.

Agreed.

The dealer I looked at the Mach-E at texted me today, I guess a GT would take 8 months to show up if I ordered one.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Saw my 1st Mach-E at the San Jose Internatonal Airport yesterday. I was in the cell phone lot and one was leaving the airport. Dark grey I think; gtrat color. Front was, well the front. The side was typical smallish SUV, not bad by any means. The back looked pretty good. Over all, a nice looking SUV. I'm sure the Ford guys will love 'em. Probably a pretty good airport car...