Reduced power after updates???

[DaMeatMan]

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like your Mach-E has less power after recent OTA updates?

I don't have any measurable data to go by here and my observations are purely anecdotal, but my Premium AWD suddenly feels like it has less power and the only thing that's changed is a sudden flury of updates. I went from no updates at all since January of 2023, to suddenly in the past month getting 4 or 5 updates in a row. I'm currently on 4.3.6 which was last received on Aug 3rd.

Previously for the past couple of years of ownership when entering the highway I would accelerate quickly with plenty of power and I would always hold myself back at about 3/4 acceleration because it was never necessary to bottom out. But for the past couple weeks I feel like I'm bottoming out with the accelerator hitting the floor, and the vehicle just feels kind of sluggish compared to what used to, and the acceleration definitely does not hold me back in the seat like it used to.

Is it possible that hidden in one of the OTA updates there was some sort of artificial power reduction to try and avoid HVJB contactor failures since they've obviously undersized the contactors for the amount of current being pushed through them by the Mach-E??

Anyone else notice this and actually have measurable data that they cam compare it to, besides my obviously non scientific anecdotal observations?

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[Mach-Lee]

Pretty sure it's not the updates. Overnight temps dipped to 58ºF last night, so the pack was probably cold. That will reduce power output. I think you're just gotten used to the summer power level.

 

[DaMeatMan]

I'm talking about middle of the day in 25c weather (77f). I have been driving this vehicle for over 2 years, and yes I'm well aware of temperature impact on battery performance, but here where I live we're still in the midst of summer temps, and I'm not just basing it on one day of driving. I'm basing this on driving after car has been sitting overnight, as well as after driving for an hour on the highway, and also in the middle of the day in summer. Overall it just feels sluggish compared to my past couple years of driving it.

 

[Mach-Lee]

I'm talking about middle of the day in 25c weather (77f). I have been driving this vehicle for over 2 years, and yes I'm well aware of temperature impact on battery performance, but here where I live we're still in the midst of summer temps, and I'm not just basing it on one day of driving. I'm basing this on driving after car has been sitting overnight, as well as after driving for an hour on the highway, and also in the middle of the day in summer. Overall it just feels sluggish compared to my past couple years of driving it.

If the car is parked outside at night, it's going to take most of the day for the battery to warm up. It's a large thermal mass that lags behind current temps. Not sure if you know, but the battery doesn't warm up while driving.

One way you can test the battery temperature theory is to precondition by navigating to a DC charger and drive around for like 20 minutes which will heat up the pack if it's cold. I've noticed the pack really needs to be above 20ºC for full performance.

If you're concerned, make sure the pack is warm, then charge it up to 90% and do a timed 0-100 run in Unbridle.

 

[BMT1071]

I'm talking about middle of the day in 25c weather (77f). I have been driving this vehicle for over 2 years, and yes I'm well aware of temperature impact on battery performance, but here where I live we're still in the midst of summer temps, and I'm not just basing it on one day of driving. I'm basing this on driving after car has been sitting overnight, as well as after driving for an hour on the highway, and also in the middle of the day in summer. Overall it just feels sluggish compared to my past couple years of driving it.

Absent any hard data showing a reduction in performance I'd say you've probably just gotten used to it. Most experiences lose their intensity with repetition.

 

[dj_stang]

Absent any hard data showing a reduction in performance I'd say you've probably just gotten used to it. Most experiences lose their intensity with repetition.

It’s definitely not a ridiculous feeling. And with the recent renewed HVBJB drama and high summer temps, I have a strong feeling that’s what’s going on. I still have plenty of power but out of my curiosity I’ll be testing some more. I unfortunately don’t have controlled trials for how it used to be. I noticed that the updates are also much better about cooling the battery when it’s warm and plugged in, it never used to do that.

 

[Neil4Real]

It’s definitely not a ridiculous feeling. And with the recent renewed HVBJB drama and high summer temps, I have a strong feeling that’s what’s going on. I still have plenty of power but out of my curiosity I’ll be testing some more. I unfortunately don’t have controlled trials for how it used to be. I noticed that the updates are also much better about cooling the battery when it’s warm and plugged in, it never used to do that.

I’m fully up to date and have had my HVBJB replaced twice. Definitely no loss of power.

 

[cccjrsbox]

Happening here too. Had about 3 updates over three weeks recently. Last one was "Battery and Remote Start Enhancements" (24-PU0121-FTDI-FX) in early April 2024. Since then, noticeably slower off the line. Kind of lame, used to be a real screamer off the line. Seems like the full torque kicks in after a few seconds, but for sure not immediately like it used to.

'21 Job 1 Premium Ext Range RWD. Played around with traction control, 1-pedal, and hill hold - no luck. Any other ideas?

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