EV and Mach-e Myths and Fallacies

[Glen Boise]

Our Mach-Es weigh as much as an ICE F-150 pickup. If we wear out brakes faster then those ICE pickups wear their brakes out just as fast. The same is probably true of tire wear.
Just remind the opinionated questioner that IC Engines waste some 60% of the energy they release when exploding gasoline in their cylinders. BEVs are around 80% energy efficient if their electricity is generated by inefficiently burning dirty natural gas or dirtier coal. They are 90% efficient if the electricity is generated by solar panels or wind turbines. The casual questioner probably will not care.

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[Schmedlack]

Grok's response was quite different: "The Ford Mustang Mach-E's high-voltage battery is designed to last a long time, with estimates suggesting 300,000 to 500,000 miles or roughly 10 to 20 years of use before significant capacity loss requires replacement, depending on driving habits, climate, and charging practices. Ford’s warranty covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, ensuring at least 70% of original capacity during that period. Studies, like one cited on Reddit, suggest lithium-ion batteries can degrade as little as 15% over 800,000 miles with frequent charging to 70%. However, a MachEforum post reported a 2021 Mach-E losing 40 miles of range in one year, though this may reflect weather or usage rather than true degradation. Factors like extreme temperatures, frequent fast charging, or running the battery to 0% can accelerate wear, but Ford’s thermal management and smart charging systems help mitigate this. Replacement costs are often cited at $10,000+, though exact figures vary. Always maintain the battery per Ford’s guidelines to maximize lifespan."

Yes Joan this is a much more accurate answer. I concur with it.

Question for you..... What percentage of people would read the Google AI responce and quickly think "No, not for me", and how many people would continue their research on other sites?

 

[JoanS]

Yes Joan this is a much more accurate answer. I concur with it.

Question for you..... What percentage of people would read the Google AI responce and quickly think "No, not for me", and how many people would continue their research on other sites?

I think it depends on how serious they are about pursuing a EV. Truthfully, I didn't research the longevity of the battery, due in part to the fact that I lease cars, so that wasn't important to me. But yes, if someone finds that google search, and goes no further, could decide, "not for me".

 

[Teslaeata]

Do a Google search and ask - How long does a ford mustang mach e battery last?

Response -

AI Overview

A Ford Mustang Mach-E battery is generally expected to last between 3 to 5 years.

Ask again - How much does a ford mustang mach e battery cost?

Response #2 -

According to Ford's official used parts catalog, you can expect to pay $24,901.18 for the 2022 to 2024 Mustang Mach-E's full battery assembly.

Not a compelling pair of responses, is it?

?

 

[AliRafiee]

Here’s a video for the last point

 

[Sikkun]

The fact that half the responses here are “I asked AI (an LLM) and here is what it says” just shows how screwed we are anyway.

LLMs can just make shit up all day, they don’t care. No better than your drunk uncle, in fact might be worse, deep down your drunk uncle might have a conscious.

 

[Schmedlack]

I think it depends on how serious they are about pursuing a EV. Truthfully, I didn't research the longevity of the battery, due in part to the fact that I lease cars, so that wasn't important to me. But yes, if someone finds that google search, and goes no further, could decide, "not for me".

Related thought... The online misinformation about EVs is not good, BUT online misinformation about health and medicine can be fatal. Some online health information is very good, some can be misinterpreted, and some is marketing, unfounded opinions, and lies. Online reader..... beware!

 

[rreddy3]

I agree that counter points like this aren't likely to overcome somebody with a deeply entrenched (potentially political) opinion about EVs, but this sounds more like casual conversation, and casual conversation is where a lot of people form their opinions. They may not care deeply enough to go look up information (and god knows there's a lot of misinformation to be found when looking), but having a casual conversation with someone who has an EV might actually help form their opinions...

Many years ago, during a casual conversation, I had heard that Chevrolet was discontinuing the Volt because it was raising people's electric bills by 200%-300%. This was before I had any interest in an EV, and my brain just accepted what I heard as fact.

So casual conversations like this might actually be MORE effective at changing minds than just about anything else...

On a one to one, face to face basis, I suspect you're correct .... particularly if the EV driver is mellow about it and not on a soapbox pontificating.

 

[superdave80]

Another offered that the batteries had to be replaced after three years.

This one is easy. Just tell them nearly every EV sold has an eight year warranty on the battery.

 

[Discwizard70]

Thing people ask me when they find out I drive 2 EVs are a true showing of lack of information, and a big amount of misinformation.
I always get people telling me that I am going to spend more than $3k on tire replacement. I always respond with a screen shot off of the Costco app with a quote.
I get the old, well you are going to wait a half hour to charge it. I always respond that I wake up with a full tank daily, but if I was to drive 200 plus miles away from home I would certainly be ready to take a 30 minute break anyway.. Most ICE drivers certainly are.
They also always think that I have to charge it all the way every time I charge. I respond that, like gas, we can take the cord out whenever we want to.
They ask if I am afraid of my EV exploding, I ask them if they are worried about their vehicle full of flammable liquids.
They ask about the batteries failing, I compare it to a engine replacement on theirs, but with a way better warranty. CA requires 8yr/100k mi. Plus if you really worry, you can extend the warranty.

It is really crazy that people just buy into misinformation/rumors so much, even more so with EVs. I always do my own research so I can be comfortable with almost every single thing I purchase, but I wish others would too.

 

[KenBo]

It certainly does not help that salespeople at Ford dealerships (and others) are completely ignorant when it comes to the Mach E and other EV's.

I was taking a test drive with my local dealership in February, and I brought up the topic of Tesla superchargers. He said Ford's can use them, and when I corrected him and said yes they could with an adapter he argumentatively said I was dead wrong. That among other things is why I took my 2025 custom order to a different dealership.

Also, in general, I think the EV sales and marketing community dropped the ball in simplifying the message when it comes to charging. They needed to point out early on that it's like always having a gas station at their house! Who wouldn't want to wake up each morning with a full tank of gas, never needing to go to a gas station ever again! (I know that this doesn't work for long road trips and people that live in apartments, but that general messaging should be out there more to homeowners.)

 

[ShoreTang]

Yes Joan this is a much more accurate answer. I concur with it.

Question for you..... What percentage of people would read the Google AI responce and quickly think "No, not for me", and how many people would continue their research on other sites?

That is the sad truth…people are so busy/lazy they will just go with the first answer with no research.

 

[Mach1E]

This one is easy. Just tell them nearly every EV sold has an eight year warranty on the battery.

People here and people asking AI this question seem to forget we have a 12v battery as well.

And yeah those last 3-5 years.

Some of the complaints seem to be at least partial truths.

The tires do wear quickly, the battery production is very bad for the environment and yeah they can catch fire.

I’ve said this for a while- EVs are awesome but the batteries? They suck. If someone can figure out a better fuel to power the electric motors, all these fears will be irrelevant.

 

[bbulkow]

Do a Google search and ask - How long does a ford mustang mach e battery last?

Response -

AI Overview

A Ford Mustang Mach-E battery is generally expected to last between 3 to 5 years.

Ask again - How much does a ford mustang mach e battery cost?

Response #2 -

According to Ford's official used parts catalog, you can expect to pay $24,901.18 for the 2022 to 2024 Mustang Mach-E's full battery assembly.

Not a compelling pair of responses, is it?

Here's what gemini (2.5 flash) ai just told me to the same question.

The high-voltage battery in a Ford Mustang Mach-E is designed to last a long time, with some estimates suggesting it can go well over 100,000 miles and potentially up to 200,000 miles or more before experiencing significant degradation. Some experts even project lifespans of 300,000-400,000 miles.
Ford backs this with a strong warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty guarantees that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during the coverage period.
Factors that influence battery lifespan include:
* Driving habits: Aggressive driving can put more strain on the battery.
* Climate conditions: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can affect battery health.
* Charging routines: Limiting frequent DC fast charging and routinely charging to around 80-90% can help prolong battery life.
It's important to distinguish the high-voltage battery (which powers the vehicle) from the 12-volt accessory battery. The 12-volt battery, similar to those found in gasoline cars, typically lasts 3-5 years and is much cheaper and easier to replace. Some online discussions about "Mach-E battery life" that mention 3-5 years are likely referring to this 12-volt battery, not the main traction battery.

 

[Ford_orr]

Here’s a video for the last point

That's a great video! However it's a little dated w/the Elmo cameo towards the end ? Gonna share w/my friends and family. Thanks!

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