Considering buying a Mach E - questions for owners

[zooba21]

Hi All! I am considering buying a Mach E this week and would love some owners thoughts on the couple of things that are holding me back right now. Apologies for the long post!

Background: I currently share a 2019 Model 3 that I am losing in a separation so I am shopping for a new car and am trying to get one ASAP. I have a Tesla wall charger installed in my garage so can charge for more or less free at home. I live in a major city and use a car almost daily but mostly for very short distances — very rarely on a road trip and almost never have a need to use public chargers with the current Tesla.

Desire: I am currently looking at a variety of EV options and hoping to buy asap given some incredible Fourth of July week deals I’ve found. Ideally looking under ~55K and am hoping to finance, although only at extremely appealing interest rates. I would consider sticking with Tesla but their lack of any financing deals makes it a tough sell for me. I’ve test driven new Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, Mustang Mach E, Kia EV & Niro, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 & 6; and in the used department, I’ve tried the 2022 Volvo XC40 and a 2022 Model Y.

At my brother's encouragement, I tried the Mach E and was incredibly pleasantly surprised by it, and am currently leaning toward it. However, a few things holding me back or things I have questions about are the following:

1. battery recharge time: a few of the others in the mix (the Kias and the Hyundais) have lightning fast recharge speeds (80% in 18 min which is quite incredible!). The Mach e is 80% in 45 minutes which seems so slow compared to these and just in general. Honestly this doesn’t bother me much in practice as it’s so rare I am charging publicly and usually just charge overnight at home. I worry more about it for resale value, wondering if such a slow charge will be obsolete in a few years. Thoughts? And/or how often does this slow charging impact your experience as a driver?
2. tech/software: some of the tech integrations are a major selling point for me on the Ford. I LOVE being able to use the app vs a key with the Tesla and would really love to retain this ability as I am very prone to losing keys and just hate having to carry around a bulky fob vs just my phone. It seems ford is one of the few to actually have this capability with their app but I have read mixed things on how the app can be glitchy or unreliable. Any other real world thoughts on this? It NOT working isn't a deal breaker but if it is terrible and unreliable I don't want to factor it into my decision.
3. door lock: I like the way the doors open (and like it WAY more than the Tesla/Hyundai/Kia flat handles which I hate) but live in a cold winter climate and am curious if there are ever issues with this not functioning correctly/freezing up? And/or if there is a way to override that somehow and open it more manually if there is a problem?

Other than these questions I think this is a very good car option for me. I just like the overall interior feel, I am tall and I like the height the seat is at, I love the front and rear trunk space (I am a photographer, cyclist, and have two dogs, so have a ton of big stuff I carry often), backseat spaciousness that met my 6'3'' friend's approval, luxe interior feel, feeling the most like a Tesla/feeling most familiar to me in the controls, usbc port, Tesla charging network integration coming, proximity of the dealer/service to my house, and the fact that it just feels like a “fun” car for my new single life.

Anyway! This is very long but I don't know anyone else who has even ridden in one of these so I am just comparing things and opinions with myself. I would love to get other owners' thoughts in real world experiences as I am making myself crazy comparing these options. I appreciate your thoughts!

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[HuntingPudel]

I can’t answer the question os whether the recharge speed will affect resale value since I don’t have a clue about what that’s going to be. ?‍?

The Phone as a Key (PaaK) system seems to work great for me. Some people have problems with it. Problems with PaaK are usually BlueTooth issues with the phone (I have not experienced these issues but several on the forum have). Once in a while an OTA update will freak things out temporarily because of bus communications interruptions caused by a module going offline while it’s updating. These usually work themselves out after a key cycle or two. I was originally not going to use PaaK, but once I set it up, I started leaving my car keys in the safe. ??

I live in a warm climate so I can’t 100% comment on the door opening system in the cold. That said, they worked fine for me on a road trip through snow. Admittedly, the temperature was not all that cold (20s F), so I don’t feel qualified to comment other than that anecdote. ?‍?

I hope whichever car you choose, it treats you well. ??

 

[zooba21]

I can’t answer the question os whether the recharge speed will affect resale value since I don’t have a clue about what that’s going to be. ?‍?

The Phone as a Key (PaaK) system seems to work great for me. Some people have problems with it. Problems with PaaK are usually BlueTooth issues with the phone (I have not experienced these issues but several on the forum have). Once in a while an OTA update will freak things out temporarily because of bus communications interruptions caused by a module going offline while it’s updating. These usually work themselves out after a key cycle or two. I was originally not going to use PaaK, but once I set it up, I started leaving my car keys in the safe. ??

I live in a warm climate so I can’t 100% comment on the door opening system in the cold. That said, they worked fine for me on a road trip through snow. Admittedly, the temperature was not all that cold (20s F), so I don’t feel qualified to comment other than that anecdote. ?‍?

I hope whichever car you choose, it treats you well. ??

Thank you for your feedback and wishes! Good to know the phone works for you. Honestly for me that would be the hardest thing to leave behind with the Tesla which sounds dumb maybe but once you are used to it it is very nice and something I had going backwards from!

 

[DYohn]

Without writing an equally long reply, here's a few nutshell comments.

1. I traded in my 2013 Model S 60 on the MME and feel the Mustang is a far better car. Yes, it's also nearly 10 years newer so I have to take that into account so it's not a 100% fair comparison, but the Ford is quieter, smoother, more luxurious, equally powerful if not more so, and much more comfortable. I am happy I made the trade.
2. Yes, Tesla charges faster if you use the Superchargers. I charge at level II in my garage for 100% of my daily needs so the relatively slow charge rates of the MME do not come into play. When on a road trip, adjusting your habits to charge more frequently (spending less time per stop) has proven to be a good strategy with the MME.
3. The tech in the MME is still a work in progress and may always be. Ford is learning how to be a software company. But as long as you are using a modern phone then the phone-as-key works fine (and you are not locked into it since there are key fobs) and as long as you understand that it's a car and not a video game console, it's fine.
4. The doors have never failed for me in 2 years of ownership (including a couple trips up to Taos in the snow and very cold temps) so to me that question is moot.

Go drive one. See if you like it.

 

[RickMachE]

The Mach-E does not take 45% minutes to charge to 80%, from the normal 20%.

There is no door override. Haven't read of anyone not getting in, even in Alaska.

 

[thekat03]

I don't (yet) have a Mach-E, but have been watching the new and used EV car market for probably the past year, car shopping, buying an EV based on decent first impression following by rude awakening a month later when my expected slow road trip EV was required to road trip after our ICE vehicle blew an oil hose, and the EV proved to be a ridiculously slow road trip car (seriously, a $50k car should not be competing with a Bolt on road-tripability). So I've been shopping a lot while trying to deal with current EV, in hopes of not getting burned again.

I doubt the relatively slower fast charging is going to be a major factor in resale. Factors that seem far more significant are the state of the car market in general (used car sales are dropping due to inflation and rising interest rates), and the price of the car compared to a new version of the car. Bumping up the prices on the Mach-E last year seemed to help used ones sell at relatively high rates, because it was still cheaper than a new one. Then with Tesla dropping prices in January, and Ford dropping some in response, that seems to have hampered used car prices. It's probably best to assume your new car will lose a fair chunk of value just by being purchased, around 20% in the first year, and moreat a slower rate for the next few years, and if you get more for it when you sell in the future, yay. I will note that in a couple years, as more cars get NACS ports instead of CCS1 for fast charging, that may hit resale values, but it's going to be hard to gauge how much of a hit that will be, as so much is up in the air as far as fast charging goes.

 

[ddeluce]

If you were taking frequent road trips, the 800 volt architecture of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 could be an advantage because of its quick charging times on DC fast chargers. However, on my road trips I am usually stopping with around 30% battery left and the MME spends about 25 minutes on the fast charger to get it to 80%. The Ioniq 5 would be quicker, but you are just talking about several minutes. If you just charge at home then DCFC times aren't relevant.

The door buttons work fine in cold temperatures and heavy snow.

 

[Brian M]

Looked at Kia and Volvo. Was originally going to buy a 22 GT ext range but wasn’t willing to pay 10k for dealer markup. Instead ordered 23 Premium eAWD with std battery. (Purchased 1/23)Charge at home via 40a Grizzl e charger to 90% 2x a week in summer because of cars and family “stuff”, in winter charge every night because I can. Have found on the one road trip that the car charging structure can be whatever it wants but the inconsistent EA and other DCFC locations is the limiting factor. Never came close to Mach e max charging rate at DCFC. When I did use DCFC, park, plug in bathroom/coffee/food and sit for 10 minutes and I’m at 80%. 25-35 minutes max. I’m 6’3” can have 5’10” adult behind me and a 60lb dog in the back no problem. After recent OTA update some settings were reset and lost all radio presets, researched how to reset sync and went out to do it and the car fixed itself. All settings returned. Haven’t used fob in a few weeks, sometimes when my phone is in gym bag it will tell me no key detected but that’s the only time I’ve ever experienced anything with paak. Only one winter and park in garage so can’t say about freezing. Overall it’s a car and just like anything else with parts things happen. I’ve been fixing CEL issues on a 10 yo car for the last 4 years nonstop.

 

[zooba21]

The Mach-E does not take 45% minutes to charge to 80%, from the normal 20%.

There is no door override. Haven't read of anyone not getting in, even in Alaska.

How long does it take to get to 80% in your experience?

 

[zooba21]

Looked at Kia and Volvo. Was originally going to buy a 22 GT ext range but wasn’t willing to pay 10k for dealer markup. Instead ordered 23 Premium eAWD with std battery. (Purchased 1/23)Charge at home via 40a Grizzl e charger to 90% 2x a week in summer because of cars and family “stuff”, in winter charge every night because I can. Have found on the one road trip that the car charging structure can be whatever it wants but the inconsistent EA and other DCFC locations is the limiting factor. Never came close to Mach e max charging rate at DCFC. When I did use DCFC, park, plug in bathroom/coffee/food and sit for 10 minutes and I’m at 80%. 25-35 minutes max. I’m 6’3” can have 5’10” adult behind me and a 60lb dog in the back no problem. After recent OTA update some settings were reset and lost all radio presets, researched how to reset sync and went out to do it and the car fixed itself. All settings returned. Haven’t used fob in a few weeks, sometimes when my phone is in gym bag it will tell me no key detected but that’s the only time I’ve ever experienced anything with paak. Only one winter and park in garage so can’t say about freezing. Overall it’s a car and just like anything else with parts things happen. I’ve been fixing CEL issues on a 10 yo car for the last 4 years nonstop.

Thanks! Have you been happy with your purchase/decision overall?

 

[zooba21]

Without writing an equally long reply, here's a few nutshell comments.

1. I traded in my 2013 Model S 60 on the MME and feel the Mustang is a far better car. Yes, it's also nearly 10 years newer so I have to take that into account so it's not a 100% fair comparison, but the Ford is quieter, smoother, more luxurious, equally powerful if not more so, and much more comfortable. I am happy I made the trade.
2. Yes, Tesla charges faster if you use the Superchargers. I charge at level II in my garage for 100% of my daily needs so the relatively slow charge rates of the MME do not come into play. When on a road trip, adjusting your habits to charge more frequently (spending less time per stop) has proven to be a good strategy with the MME.
3. The tech in the MME is still a work in progress and may always be. Ford is learning how to be a software company. But as long as you are using a modern phone then the phone-as-key works fine (and you are not locked into it since there are key fobs) and as long as you understand that it's a car and not a video game console, it's fine.
4. The doors have never failed for me in 2 years of ownership (including a couple trips up to Taos in the snow and very cold temps) so to me that question is moot.

Go drive one. See if you like it.

Thanks! This is helpful! And yes, I test drove it twice and it is the one I keep coming back to. I have loved the Tesla so am just nervous to leave it but think I will likely end up getting the MME! I was incredibly surprised how much I liked it.

 

[zooba21]

I don't (yet) have a Mach-E, but have been watching the new and used EV car market for probably the past year, car shopping, buying an EV based on decent first impression following by rude awakening a month later when my expected slow road trip EV was required to road trip after our ICE vehicle blew an oil hose, and the EV proved to be a ridiculously slow road trip car (seriously, a $50k car should not be competing with a Bolt on road-tripability). So I've been shopping a lot while trying to deal with current EV, in hopes of not getting burned again.

I doubt the relatively slower fast charging is going to be a major factor in resale. Factors that seem far more significant are the state of the car market in general (used car sales are dropping due to inflation and rising interest rates), and the price of the car compared to a new version of the car. Bumping up the prices on the Mach-E last year seemed to help used ones sell at relatively high rates, because it was still cheaper than a new one. Then with Tesla dropping prices in January, and Ford dropping some in response, that seems to have hampered used car prices. It's probably best to assume your new car will lose a fair chunk of value just by being purchased, around 20% in the first year, and moreat a slower rate for the next few years, and if you get more for it when you sell in the future, yay. I will note that in a couple years, as more cars get NACS ports instead of CCS1 for fast charging, that may hit resale values, but it's going to be hard to gauge how much of a hit that will be, as so much is up in the air as far as fast charging goes.

Thanks! Yes, I have been doing the same. My ex and I drove our Tesla from Chicago to LA and had a blast with zero issues. I doubt I'll do a trip like that again anytime soon but knowing it worked so well with the Tesla and may not with other EVs is a bit hard to get away from, but again, I can't imagine I'll be doing that anytime soon.

If you are looking, the Mach E has very good deals for the 4th which is the biggest reason I may be buying this week. $3K rebate, 2.99% financing, plus my dealer was willing to add an extra 2K discount to cover the difference in the 0.99 (unbeatable...) financing Hyundai is offering right now. Plus the $3750 federal tax credit. It's a lot of discounts and lack of huge interest rates that make it appealing and also make the future resale seem like I won't lose tons of money sunk into interest if I resell in a couple years

 

[Brian M]

Ford is a car company trying to figure out how to merge as a tech company. Tesla is still trying to figure the car company part out. Overall I’m happy, thought I’d have range anxiety but no. I’ve purchased ICE cars that have been around for 100 years and they still have problems. EV’s will have problems in 100 years time as well. Understanding that and accepting it make a difference. Would buy again tomorrow.

 

[zooba21]

If you were taking frequent road trips, the 800 volt architecture of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 could be an advantage because of its quick charging times on DC fast chargers. However, on my road trips I am usually stopping with around 30% battery left and the MME spends about 25 minutes on the fast charger to get it to 80%. The Ioniq 5 would be quicker, but you are just talking about several minutes. If you just charge at home then DCFC times aren't relevant.

The door buttons work fine in cold temperatures and heavy snow.

Thanks! Appreciate your feedback and those numbers are fine and honestly aren't too far off from how long my Tesla was taking so that is good to know. The Hyundai and Kia speeds sound incredible, but as you say, my need for rapid charging is extremely rare, and honestly with the Tesla Supercharger deal coming down for Ford, I think I'd take the reliability and location predictability of their chargers over the speed factor.

 

[RickMachE]

How long does it take to get to 80% in your experience?

30 minutes or a bit less.

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