mark360

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I want to first preface this by explaining my ownership experience with my Model 3, my first EV, and share some of my thoughts since having the car for a year and a half. I think everyone on the forums can share in my opinion on the car and overall outlook. I absolutely love my model 3, and it has been one of the best cars I've ever owned and driven. However, there are several variables about owning a model 3 that have started to change my opinion about Tesla and the future outlook. Tesla is not really known for the car quality they build, but moreover a technology company and I'm seeing that part of the company become less valuable the longer I own the car. Let me explain:

1) Autopilot is awesome, but I find myself only using it roughly 10% of the time I drive. The nag every 10-15 seconds, and the fact that on non highway roads you're limited to the speed limit or less - have me just driving the car - and it is a blast to drive. On long road trips, using autopilot causes me to feel tired and I find myself driving for majority of the trip. Overall, the value of autopilot to me isn't really that great. The model 3 is a long ways from autonomy, at least 5 years away in my opinion from FSD.

2) The interior is holding up well over the past year, but there are constantly squeaks and rattles that annoy me and something I'm not use to from legacy automakers. The car build quality is not to par to other manufactures, but that is OK. I knew that going into it. Tesla is more of a technology company than a car company.

3) Having drive two hours away to the nearest service center for warranty work has been a pain over the last year, but I knew that going into ownership. It is annoying when it is over minor squeaks and rattles, but having a service center close by would be nice. Tesla service is not that great either, and the service center is always bumping full. They don't even do state inspections.

4) The SC network is very nice, but it has become less and less important to me now that I have driven an EV for a year. With most destinations I go to not having a SC, I find myself having to find wall outlets and third party charging networks to make traveling in the model 3 viable. In addition to having a home charger and a work charger, the SC network just doesn't add any value to me anymore. I had supercharging fever with my first EV, but since I own one now the value of that has dropped dramatically.

So where does the Mustang Mach E come into all of this? Well since the release of the Mach E three months ago, Ford has really garnered my attention with their EV offering. I was always under the impression that Tesla is 7-10 year ahead of all legacy automakers in the EV space, but wow was I wrong. Ford's first attempt at an EV is not only amazing, but it is downright genius and is a serious contender to those looking at purchasing a model Y. I have never owned a Ford in my life - but the Mustang Mach E checks all the boxes (range, performance, tech, design, service, etc.) and it has me seriously considering Ford's Mustang Mach E in a few years when it is time for an upgrade.
The Mustang Mach E with 300 miles will cost $45,000 MSRP after the tax credit. A model y similarly equipped will cost $53,000. The technology and design of the Mach E is almost to par with a Model Y, so I have to give credit where credit is due. Props Ford for an outstanding first full EV!

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E First Look | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.slashgear.com/ford-sync-4-first-look-mustang-mach-e-high-tec...

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2019/03/20/ford-...

Mach-E's Future
The engineer says that the maximum fast-charging rate for the Mach-E will eventually be 350 kW, though he provides no timeline for this.

Additionally, the Mach-E will be able to receive over-the-air updates, which will include some self-driving features. No timeline was provided.

Over 1,000 engineers are working on the powertrain of the Mach-E alone. This could mean we'll see an even better Mach-E in production form.

The Electrify America Charging network also is starting to impress me. While it isn't as widespread as Tesla (750 locations, Electrify America has 400) the coverage is still really good and cross country travel should be a non issue in the Mach E. Electrify America is getting support from 5 huge automakers as well, such as ford, VW, Audi, etc. The electrify america network works similar to Tesla's own Autopilot network, with Fords navigation planning your route and even letting you know how many cars are at the stall. Majority of them are 350KW along the interstate.

The biggest downside is EA is having to charge a premium in order to fund the development and execution of their plan to deploy DCFC across america in a timely manner. The EA charging network cost similar to gas, but as supply and competition increases price will likely start to fall.
A lot of great things are happening in the EV world!
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TheSteelRider

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Thanks @Newbie ! Reading some of the responses (ignoring the uneducated hate), are some valid counterpoints, but I tire quickly of people who don't like something (say, the Mach E) just because it can't compete "feature for feature" against another car (say, the Model Y).

I mean, imagine a world where *every vehicle* has the exact same features as *every other vehicle*. That is nonsense. No reason to hate a vehicle that doesn't have the features you want ... just buy a different one that has the features you do want!

As an example, I personally really don't like the look of the Model Y (or the Model 3 for that matter), but the look of the Mach E really resonates with me. I don't really care that the range is not *exactly the same* ... I don't really care that it isn't *exactly as efficient*. I bet the Model Y is going to be FANTASTIC for people who like it's look and features. Just like the Mach E will be FANTASTIC for those that like it. To each is own!

Thanks again Mark for a very detailed, objective-as-can-be, and very level-headed set of thoughts. I pine for more of this kind of constructive comparisons. After all, it is absolutely possible that when my co-worker gets his Model Y, I'll fall in love with it and buy it instead of a Mach E!
 
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mark360

mark360

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I agree @TheSteelRider . I am sure both cars will be nice. As long as a person is educated and knows what features/looks is important to them, you can't go wrong.
 

JamieGeek

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Just pointing out that the Mach-E is NOT Ford's first attempt at an EV. You may argue that the Focus Electric wasn't developed in-house and thus isn't Ford's first--it has a Ford logo on it and thus is Ford's first EV.
 
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mark360

mark360

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Just pointing out that the Mach-E is NOT Ford's first attempt at an EV. You may argue that the Focus Electric wasn't developed in-house and thus isn't Ford's first--it has a Ford logo on it and thus is Ford's first EV.
Yeah, but it wasn't a serious EV. This is fords first clean sheet design that has mass appeal in my opinion.
 

Stickboy46

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mark360

mark360

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I couldn't take the amount of tesla fanboyism going on there. It's hilarious how they really brush off this vehicle like it won't come close to being a Tesla. They're in for a rude awakening when their stock plummets!
 

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Bravo. A Tesla owner with objectivity, you are a rare breed. ? Thank you for sharing your extensive thoughts. I had considered a Tesla but the lack of service centers and how backed up they all are really dissuaded me. I've heard of months long waits for replacement parts too. Someone I know with a Model X needed his entire rear drive shaft replaced and it still hasn't come in after months of waiting.
 

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I couldn't take the amount of tesla fanboyism going on there. It's hilarious how they really brush off this vehicle like it won't come close to being a Tesla. They're in for a rude awakening when their stock plummets!
I am sure both vehicles will do well, with loyal fans of both. After owning a Volt and i3, our family is all in on EV's. However, I try not to get into the "stock up/down" game. For every article on one company (like you mentioned on Tesla), there are similar articles on the other (like this one: Stock Plunges). As long as more people get to experience EV's they are attracted to, the better :) I am excited to see the Mach E. A co-worker has a reservation on both it and the Y. Exciting times!
 

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I couldn't take the amount of tesla fanboyism going on there. It's hilarious how they really brush off this vehicle like it won't come close to being a Tesla. They're in for a rude awakening when their stock plummets!
You mean like the one saying that Model 3s are comparable to Benz's in quality?
 

JamieGeek

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Yeah, but it wasn't a serious EV. This is fords first clean sheet design that has mass appeal in my opinion.
Ah but it was a serious EV, they just didn't build enough. Auto mags raved about it (one called it "The Tesla for the rest of us").

With the batteries in back it gave it a 50/50 weight ratio and with the Focus body's snappy performance it was a hoot to drive.

Only really had two things lacking: range and storage--both related to the battery technology available at the time.
 

agoldman

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every car has recalls, but Tesla Model X 15,000 recalled with steering problems.. ouch... hope that Mach E can keep the first model year issues to a minimum..
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