Thoughts on Ford's dedication to updates (Tesla vs Ford)

[yirdboy]

Hey guys, I am new to the forum and looking for some advice. I am in the market for an EV in the coming months, and honestly don't have a connection to Ford or Tesla. I was never that guy who was a total fanboy over Tesla, and I've never owned a ford.

From what I can tell here are some key differences:
Price, the Mach E still has the 7500 tax credit (although I may not get it in time for that, looks like we are about 70k vehicles from losing the credit). With the tax credit the standard range premium that I am looking at comes in at around 40k. A really great price, but hinges on the tax credit, as the Model Y is about to debut a RWD version of their Long Range model that would have more range but sit under their AWD version at 48k. So Ford wins on price for now, but that may change with new offerings.

Next is looks. Honestly both are fine to me, and I am not a fan of either company or brand name, like Mustang has no meaning to me and Tesla doesn't either. I will say I expect better build quality from Ford, but Tesla has a better warranty.

Infrastructure is big and Tesla wins right now with their supercharger. I'll be charging at home and driving 30 miles a day, so not as big of a deal for me.

So with all of this said, to me at this point it's pretty even. The Model Y gets more range, but is a bit pricier. The Mach E is around the same price (with tax credit) as the model 3, and has the same range, so it basically rules out the model 3 as it is more functional, being a bit bigger. So my decision comes down to this: Do I hope to get the tax credit and settle for lower range, or do I wait for the Model Y RWD version which will be cheaper.

As these two options are weighing on me, I can't help but come back to this concept of the update. Tesla has dropped the notion of a brand new model each year. Rather than coming out with a car each year that is drastically different, they update your car over time to make it better, sometimes at a cost. This is the future to me. To have a car that is 3 years old and still relevant is important to me. Technology is constantly changing, and to spend so much on a car for it to not stay relevant is a tough pill to swallow. So my question is this: will Ford adopt a similar model? I know they will come out with new models every year, or I at least believe this is the case, however I could still justify picking one up if they are planning on doing updates over the air to current owners. This seems like the biggest difference to me. Tesla is a software company that makes cars, Ford is a car company that makes software. In a growing age of tech and always being on the cutting edge, is my 45k Ford going to keep up with my 48k Tesla 3 years down the line?

I know this was long, thank you for taking the time to read my opinion, I look forward to all of your thoughts on this matter.

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[JamieGeek]

Hey guys, I am new to the forum and looking for some advice. I am in the market for an EV in the coming months, and honestly don't have a connection to Ford or Tesla. I was never that guy who was a total fanboy over Tesla, and I've never owned a ford.

From what I can tell here are some key differences:
Price, the Mach E still has the 7500 tax credit (although I may not get it in time for that, looks like we are about 70k vehicles from losing the credit). With the tax credit the standard range premium that I am looking at comes in at around 40k. A really great price, but hinges on the tax credit, as the Model Y is about to debut a RWD version of their Long Range model that would have more range but sit under their AWD version at 48k. So Ford wins on price for now, but that may change with new offerings.

Next is looks. Honestly both are fine to me, and I am not a fan of either company or brand name, like Mustang has no meaning to me and Tesla doesn't either. I will say I expect better build quality from Ford, but Tesla has a better warranty.

Infrastructure is big and Tesla wins right now with their supercharger. I'll be charging at home and driving 30 miles a day, so not as big of a deal for me.

So with all of this said, to me at this point it's pretty even. The Model Y gets more range, but is a bit pricier. The Mach E is around the same price (with tax credit) as the model 3, and has the same range, so it basically rules out the model 3 as it is more functional, being a bit bigger. So my decision comes down to this: Do I hope to get the tax credit and settle for lower range, or do I wait for the Model Y RWD version which will be cheaper.

As these two options are weighing on me, I can't help but come back to this concept of the update. Tesla has dropped the notion of a brand new model each year. Rather than coming out with a car each year that is drastically different, they update your car over time to make it better, sometimes at a cost. This is the future to me. To have a car that is 3 years old and still relevant is important to me. Technology is constantly changing, and to spend so much on a car for it to not stay relevant is a tough pill to swallow. So my question is this: will Ford adopt a similar model? I know they will come out with new models every year, or I at least believe this is the case, however I could still justify picking one up if they are planning on doing updates over the air to current owners. This seems like the biggest difference to me. Tesla is a software company that makes cars, Ford is a car company that makes software. In a growing age of tech and always being on the cutting edge, is my 45k Ford going to keep up with my 48k Tesla 3 years down the line?

I know this was long, thank you for taking the time to read my opinion, I look forward to all of your thoughts on this matter.

Model Y LR RWD isn't that much more range than a CA Rt 1 (what 20 miles more, really? you can make that up simply by driving about 2 mph slower).

You know Tesla is shutting down for 18 days to revamp the Model S and X. You can only build the same car for so long before it gets stale.

Mach-E does have OTA updates (and the new F-150 and some other new Fords).

They are even planning on a special OTA for hands free driving in about 6 months for an extra charge.

 

[timbop]

Ford has incorporated the OTA update capability; they didn't just put that in for no reason so expect them to use it. As mentioned, for $600 you can get an OTA this summer for hands free driving (as long as your car has the hardware for it (only the base Select does not, but the tech package adds it). The 70k remaining EV's just gets to the threshold where the tax incentive starts to decrease after the following quarter, it doesn't just go away. The tax incentive only applies to US sales, so don't expect more than 35000 EV's to be sold this year in the US.

Look, you have to decide what is important to you. We all have our own priorities and preferences, so asking us for advice will put you all over the map. I'm getting a Route 1 because I really like the Mach E styling, features, and manufacturer - none of which may apply to you. I was on the fence earlier this year but Musk has thoroughly disgusted me. I dislike what Tesla has done this year to their customers and their employees, but that may or may not be what matters to you.

 

[yirdboy]

Ford has incorporated the OTA update capability; they didn't just put that in for no reason so expect them to use it. As mentioned, for $600 you can get an OTA this summer for hands free driving (as long as your car has the hardware for it (only the base Select does not, but the tech package adds it). The 70k remaining EV's just gets to the threshold where the tax incentive starts to decrease after the following quarter, it doesn't just go away. The tax incentive only applies to US sales, so don't expect more than 35000 EV's to be sold this year in the US.

Look, you have to decide what is important to you. We all have our own priorities and preferences, so asking us for advice will put you all over the map. I'm getting a Route 1 because I really like the Mach E styling, features, and manufacturer - none of which may apply to you. I was on the fence earlier this year but Musk has thoroughly disgusted me. I dislike what Tesla has done this year to their customers and their employees, but that may or may not be what matters to you.

Ok thank you for the advice! I didn't know about the OTA so if I pick one up I will definitely be getting that with it. Also a good point on the tax credit, i'll definitely be getting one before all of the incentives run out. I'll keep this information in mind and make an informed decision.

 

[yirdboy]

Model Y LR RWD isn't that much more range than a CA Rt 1 (what 20 miles more, really? you can make that up simply by driving about 2 mph slower).

You know Tesla is shutting down for 18 days to revamp the Model S and X. You can only build the same car for so long before it gets stale.

Mach-E does have OTA updates (and the new F-150 and some other new Fords).

They are even planning on a special OTA for hands free driving in about 6 months for an extra charge.

That's a fair point, at a certain point they will have to revamp anyway. I have also heard leasing may be a good way to get out of a situation where you have stale technology, so I may seriously consider that. Definitely liking the price of the Mach E more at the moment, and range isn't a huge deal either.

 

[CHeil402]

Another thing to consider in the price department is the cost to insure them. While the Mach E insurance considerations are admittedly preliminary at the moment, it would seem that it might be more of a difference than you might think... Driven mostly by the cost and exclusivity of Tesla repairs and the fact that insurance prices are based on statistics of the model car and not by how well you personally drive.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/mach-e-insurance-price-quote-how-is-yours.1859/

 

[SnBGC]

.....

Infrastructure is big and Tesla wins right now with their supercharger. I'll be charging at home and driving 30 miles a day, so not as big of a deal for me.

So with all of this said, to me at this point it's pretty even. The Model Y gets more range, but is a bit pricier. The Mach E is around the same price (with tax credit) as the model 3, and has the same range, so it basically rules out the model 3 as it is more functional, being a bit bigger. So my decision comes down to this: Do I hope to get the tax credit and settle for lower range, or do I wait for the Model Y RWD version which will be cheaper.

....

I think it's worth pondering your quoted statements above and determine which one is correct. "How important is range to you really?" If it's not a big deal like you say then you have your answer already. Get the Mach E for less money.

Both models have the ability for updates over the air so there might not be much difference between the two over the next several years.

One thing that wasn't mentioned is service and parts support. The Mach E is likely to have a huge advantage compared to the Model Y when it comes to maintenance, service and repair. All things mechanical have a need for maintenance and repair at some point. Something to consider.

Good luck with your decision. You have a couple of good choices in mind it seems. No matter which you choose....going EV is a great choice.

 

[Dan G]

Hey guys, I am new to the forum and looking for some advice. I am in the market for an EV in the coming months, and honestly don't have a connection to Ford or Tesla. I was never that guy who was a total fanboy over Tesla, and I've never owned a ford.

From what I can tell here are some key differences:
Price, the Mach E still has the 7500 tax credit (although I may not get it in time for that, looks like we are about 70k vehicles from losing the credit). With the tax credit the standard range premium that I am looking at comes in at around 40k. A really great price, but hinges on the tax credit, as the Model Y is about to debut a RWD version of their Long Range model that would have more range but sit under their AWD version at 48k. So Ford wins on price for now, but that may change with new offerings.

Next is looks. Honestly both are fine to me, and I am not a fan of either company or brand name, like Mustang has no meaning to me and Tesla doesn't either. I will say I expect better build quality from Ford, but Tesla has a better warranty.

Infrastructure is big and Tesla wins right now with their supercharger. I'll be charging at home and driving 30 miles a day, so not as big of a deal for me.

So with all of this said, to me at this point it's pretty even. The Model Y gets more range, but is a bit pricier. The Mach E is around the same price (with tax credit) as the model 3, and has the same range, so it basically rules out the model 3 as it is more functional, being a bit bigger. So my decision comes down to this: Do I hope to get the tax credit and settle for lower range, or do I wait for the Model Y RWD version which will be cheaper.

As these two options are weighing on me, I can't help but come back to this concept of the update. Tesla has dropped the notion of a brand new model each year. Rather than coming out with a car each year that is drastically different, they update your car over time to make it better, sometimes at a cost. This is the future to me. To have a car that is 3 years old and still relevant is important to me. Technology is constantly changing, and to spend so much on a car for it to not stay relevant is a tough pill to swallow. So my question is this: will Ford adopt a similar model? I know they will come out with new models every year, or I at least believe this is the case, however I could still justify picking one up if they are planning on doing updates over the air to current owners. This seems like the biggest difference to me. Tesla is a software company that makes cars, Ford is a car company that makes software. In a growing age of tech and always being on the cutting edge, is my 45k Ford going to keep up with my 48k Tesla 3 years down the line?

I know this was long, thank you for taking the time to read my opinion, I look forward to all of your thoughts on this matter.

I was mostly in the same position, but I really like the way the MME looks versus the MY.

If you're only driving 30 miles a day, range isn't going to matter much. Honestly, for the few times you do want to take a road trip, you're probably not going to want to go more than 200 miles on a charge in either of them.

I would also hesitate to just throw Tesla the nod in infrastructure. They may have the most robust network, but I'd rather road trip on the EA network. (Electrify America) If your road trips only use the new V3 superchargers, then sure Tesla is just as nice as EA. But, their older stations split power between charger cables, (meaning you share that 120kw or 150kw with the guy next to you) and they don't have thermal management. (Meaning on warmer days the cable gets very warm and throttles how much power it can provide your car.) But again, if it's not something you plan on doing a lot of, none of what I just said matters too much. Oh, and Tesla is offering one free year of supercharging for free with M3 and MY right now.

I would do a little research if you're planning on doing any trips and see what's in your area. Then, take them both for a test drive and see which one you like the most.

 

[shutterbug]

One thing that wasn't mentioned is service and parts support. The Mach E is likely to have a huge advantage compared to the Model Y when it comes to maintenance, service and repair. All things mechanical have a need for maintenance and repair at some point. Something to consider.

Also body work, should you get into an accident.

 

[Ma9573]

I wouldn't call myself a Ford fanboy, but I have had 3 Fusions covering the last 10+ years. I haven't had a single issue. My reasons for the Mach E over the Model Y are pretty straightforward:

I prefer the styling of the MME, cost for purchase, and frankly Tesla only sells electric cars so doesn't really need my help. Meaning I want to do my small part to ensure the traditional manufactures continue innovating in the BEV space instead of just converting ICE vehicles (Focus electric) or producing compliance cars. I have an ID4 reserved for my wife as well for this reason..

 

[RonTCat]

In a growing age of tech and always being on the cutting edge, is my 45k Ford going to keep up with my 48k Tesla 3 years down the line?

Yes.

 

[Blinkin]

As these two options are weighing on me, I can't help but come back to this concept of the update. Tesla has dropped the notion of a brand new model each year. Rather than coming out with a car each year that is drastically different, they update your car over time to make it better, sometimes at a cost. This is the future to me. To have a car that is 3 years old and still relevant is important to me. Technology is constantly changing, and to spend so much on a car for it to not stay relevant is a tough pill to swallow. So my question is this: will Ford adopt a similar model? I know they will come out with new models every year, or I at least believe this is the case, however I could still justify picking one up if they are planning on doing updates over the air to current owners. This seems like the biggest difference to me. Tesla is a software company that makes cars, Ford is a car company that makes software. In a growing age of tech and always being on the cutting edge, is my 45k Ford going to keep up with my 48k Tesla 3 years down the line?

Gotta be honest with you here. Your perception of OTAs is excessively optimistic, to the point that it sounds like you're uncritically trusting marketing materials. Yes, OTAs can offer some nice perks. Yes, Ford will offer OTA updates to expand on some features, just like Tesla does. But ultimately cars are hardware, and software updates can't give you new tires or a new motor or a new battery pack. The notion that newer cars will be better than older cars won't be killed by OTAs, because OTAs can't undo corrosion or metal fatigue.

Other words, your 2021 Ford will "keep up" with your 2021 Tesla in 3 years, but NEITHER is going to "keep up" with the 2024 iterations of their own models. Regardless of what they say, Tesla does update and redesign their hardware and will continue to do so. Don't set yourself up for disappointment by believing too much in OTAs.

 

[yirdboy]

Another thing to consider in the price department is the cost to insure them. While the Mach E insurance considerations are admittedly preliminary at the moment, it would seem that it might be more of a difference than you might think... Driven mostly by the cost and exclusivity of Tesla repairs and the fact that insurance prices are based on statistics of the model car and not by how well you personally drive.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/mach-e-insurance-price-quote-how-is-yours.1859/

Oh yeah, I heard that Tesla insurance can get pretty pricey so that's pretty cool that people are not seeing their rates go up by too much. I have a really great track record in terms of accidents and tickets (0 on both), bundle with my home, and will be 25 by the time I buy, so it seems the Ford might have the edge in insurance with all that in mind

 

[yirdboy]

Gotta be honest with you here. Your perception of OTAs is excessively optimistic, to the point that it sounds like you're uncritically trusting marketing materials. Yes, OTAs can offer some nice perks. Yes, Ford will offer OTA updates to expand on some features, just like Tesla does. But ultimately cars are hardware, and software updates can't give you new tires or a new motor or a new battery pack. The notion that newer cars will be better than older cars won't be killed by OTAs, because OTAs can't undo corrosion or metal fatigue.

Other words, your 2021 Ford will "keep up" with your 2021 Tesla in 3 years, but NEITHER is going to "keep up" with the 2024 iterations of their own models. Regardless of what they say, Tesla does update and redesign their hardware and will continue to do so. Don't set yourself up for disappointment by believing too much in OTAs.

That's totally fair. Falling for all the reviews that are like "dude my tesla just got heated seats" without considering that the hardware is still getting older. The added infrastructure in terms of parts availability may actually give Ford the edge over time

 

[yirdboy]

I wouldn't call myself a Ford fanboy, but I have had 3 Fusions covering the last 10+ years. I haven't had a single issue. My reasons for the Mach E over the Model Y are pretty straightforward:

I prefer the styling of the MME, cost for purchase, and frankly Tesla only sells electric cars so doesn't really need my help. Meaning I want to do my small part to ensure the traditional manufactures continue innovating in the BEV space instead of just converting ICE vehicles (Focus electric) or producing compliance cars. I have an ID4 reserved for my wife as well for this reason..

Oh man yeah, I want my money to mean something too. Like Tesla is gonna make these cars regardless, but if not enough people buy them companies will keep coming out with their gas guzzlers that get 26 mpg combined (looking at you baby bronco). Thanks for the input, that's something I need to consider as well. I was also looking at the ID4 and may change my decision to Mach E vs ID4 instead just based on this reasoning.

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