Tesla vs Mach E

Chiefsfan

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As I ponder my first EV purchase and weigh the pros it consistently comes down to software vs hardware. Fords legacy car manufacturing experience should lead to a better constructed car with higher quality fit and finish. On the other hand, Tesla’s lead in software development is not be under estimated. Can Ford put out as polished product on the first go around? Also, the resale value of the Model 3 is compelling. On looks the Mach E wins hands down vs the MY, although the M3 is more attractive than the MY IMHO. Too bad Tesla didn’t make the M3 a hatch.
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The new CEO Ford has was just discussing their software innovation. I think you are under estimating ford's ability to develop software. They plan to make the car better over time and expect cars released in December will improve greatly over time.

If you've ever owned a Tesla, it is really not that impressive. Ford's system from the looks of it will be much more useful. I am so excited to see it honestly. New Tech excites me.
 

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New CEO has a degree in computer science, I believe this guy is the guy Ford has been waiting for to finally get the company moving in the right direction. I am biased though as I am invested in Ford stock. :D He may not be current with programming languages etc, but the fundamentals of computer science from when he graduated have not changed much and I am pretty sure he understands software is what sets the product apart in the EV world
 

Thevanin

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The new CEO Ford has was just discussing their software innovation. I think you are under estimating ford's ability to develop software. They plan to make the car better over time and expect cars released in December will improve greatly over time.

If you've ever owned a Tesla, it is really not that impressive. Ford's system from the looks of it will be much more useful. I am so excited to see it honestly. New Tech excites me.
Last week's live stream talked about the new Sync system and it looks really good. I wouldn't count Ford out on the software side just yet.
 

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As I ponder my first EV purchase and weigh the pros it consistently comes down to software vs hardware. Fords legacy car manufacturing experience should lead to a better constructed car with higher quality fit and finish. On the other hand, Tesla’s lead in software development is not be under estimated. Can Ford put out as polished product on the first go around? Also, the resale value of the Model 3 is compelling. On looks the Mach E wins hands down vs the MY, although the M3 is more attractive than the MY IMHO. Too bad Tesla didn’t make the M3 a hatch.
Good summary.
For me, I want a vehicle that is designed and built by "car guys" vs one designed and built by a technology group.

I think both types have a place in the market.
 


Thevanin

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I've gone back and forth between comparing Tesla and the Mach E. The one thing that I've found really stuck with me is their mentality when it comes to quality/reliability. They innovate really fast and can come up with creative solutions in a much shorter time. No one is denying that, but the side effect is that they're OK shipping cars sooner without completing some of the industry standard reliability tests.

From the article below:
“Another good example is the long-term durability evaluation of a car. When I discussed it with Elon, I told him our engineers’ calculations led to at least a million equivalent miles of driving required before launching the car — a six-month phase required to discover potential weaknesses and fix them. My request was actually very limited in regards to the industry practices: German manufacturers don’t release a car that has not clocked 10 million kilometers and two winters. Elon, in his customary laconic way, answered: “OK, do it. But we are not delaying the launch date for it… — But we might encounter issues that will require some modifications of the production models… — Yeah, I know, but we will make the changes afterward if we have to… — Even if it involves recalling some cars? — Yes. And for the rest, we will adjust by pushing some OTA upgrades (Tesla’s main software is maintained and upgraded remotely on a regular basis, just like a PC).”

I work in electronics and so much of my day to day is managing product releases around quality and reliability testing. I know cars are on a whole other level complexity wise, but I just couldn't get behind the idea of shipping something that was suspected (or known) to be potentially faulty with the intent of issuing a recall to fix it later.

https://electrek.co/2020/07/13/tesla-former-vp-quality-explains-issues/
 

Jimrpa

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I know Ford knows how to build and deliver quality cars (complete paint jobs, properly aligned body panels, and the like) - I’ve owned many. They know how to manage a global supply chain. With Mach E, they’re actually being sort of conservative - batteries from an established supplier, complete drive units from an established supplier. I don’t see anything too “out of this world” risky. They’ve done all the suspension/handling themselves and that’s something they know well. While I find Sync 3 the best of the crop of mediocre in-car systems I’ve used (and I think I’ve used most of them because of rental cars), I was sort of skeptical of all of the marketing hype around Sync 4A. The presentation during the webcast reassured me a bit though. It sounds like they’ve taken a “fresh sheet of paper” approach to Sync 4A and are using modern software design methodologies. Specifically, it sounds like they’re fully agile. I’m really looking forward to getting my MME!
 

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The resale value is something that has been niggling my brain. It's hard to deny that Tesla 3/Y have been holding their own in value (nevermind the fact that a 2018 model 3 had a higher list price but still had $7500 federal tax credit). Used 3/Y vehicles go fast on the used market and are surprisingly close to new from Tesla. Model S/X are a different story.

Other electric vehicles are getting hammered on the secondary market.
2017 Bolt EVs for $14k.
2019 Jaguar I-PACE for $51k
2019 Audi e-tron for $52k
 

dbsb3233

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Also, the resale value of the Model 3 is compelling.
Resale value has a lot to do with whether there's much alternative competition. And until now, Tesla has has an effective monopoly on the BEV market in the US.

That's about to change. The Mach-e will be serious competition, as will some new vehicles coming.
 

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GoGoGadgetMachE

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So Tesla’s system is too automated and doesn’t make the driver do enough to stay engaged therefore it gets a low score. Not sure I follow the article.
not being engaged is fine until OH MY GOD YOU HAVE TO BE ENGAGED OR DIE

The idea is that Tesla drivers are lulled into a false sense of security, so they are not sufficiently engaged, and the car doesn't make enough effort about that. (e.g. Tesla driver falls asleep behind wheel of car going 93mph on autopilot | The Independent )

Given that my 2013 Fusion will yell at me if I am not holding on to the wheel for too long, it's not an unreasonable take.

It also says that "autopilot" is a terrible name, which it is. Yes, I know if you're a pilot you know better or whatever, but the average person thinks "autopilot" = "it will drive itself perfectly."
 
 




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