For over half a century, the Ford Mustang coupe has reigned supreme as a symbol of American muscle and automotive passion, consistently topping sales charts in its class. Its global appeal is undeniable, with demand surging in recent years. But as the automotive landscape shifts towards electrification, the question arises: is the world ready for a New Mustang Suv powered by batteries?
Ford believes the answer is a resounding yes. While details have been kept largely under wraps since the initial announcement at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the automaker has recently offered a tantalizing glimpse of this groundbreaking vehicle. A short teaser video showcased a camouflaged prototype undergoing rigorous testing at Ford’s Smithers Winter Test Center, located approximately 400 miles north of Detroit.
Camouflaged Ford Mustang SUV prototype undergoing winter testing
Alt text: Ford Mustang SUV electric prototype in camouflage testing snow, showcasing winter capabilities for electric vehicles.
This video, along with other snippets, is part of Ford’s proactive campaign to address what they term “EV misconceptions.” The company is acutely aware that potential buyers might harbor concerns about electric vehicles, particularly regarding cold-weather performance, driving range, the availability of charging infrastructure, and overall performance capabilities. Ford aims to dispel these myths head-on as the new Mustang SUV prepares to debut in the market next year.
Ford was an early adopter in the electric vehicle arena, experimenting with hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles. However, their initial forays into the BEV market were hampered by limitations in performance and range, with some early models struggling to exceed 100 miles on a single charge.
The new Mustang SUV is poised to change that narrative dramatically. Early projections suggest a range of 300 to 373 miles on a single charge, contingent on the chosen battery pack option. Coupled with the rapidly expanding network of high-speed public charging stations, Ford, alongside competitors like Tesla, General Motors, and Audi, is confident that the specter of “range anxiety” will soon become a relic of the past.
Crucially, Ford’s strategic decision to link this electric SUV to the iconic Mustang nameplate is a deliberate move to signal high performance. The message is clear: this isn’t just an eco-friendly SUV; it’s a performance-oriented machine worthy of the Mustang badge, even in its new Mustang SUV form.
Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s Executive Vice President of Product Development, articulated this strategy succinctly last year, stating, “Selling electrification on just fuel efficiency is not going to pay out when gas is going for $2.50 a gallon.” Performance, therefore, becomes a key selling point in attracting a broader audience to electric vehicles.
This performance-centric approach is not unique to Ford. Tesla’s success was significantly boosted by the introduction of “Ludicrous Mode” in the Model S, emphasizing exhilarating acceleration. Similarly, Porsche recently unveiled its all-electric Taycan sports car, boasting a 0-60 mph acceleration time as low as 2.6 seconds, further demonstrating the performance potential of EVs.
Alt text: Sleek Porsche Taycan electric car in motion, highlighting the sports car performance now available in electric vehicles.
While it remains to be seen if the new Mustang SUV will reach those stratospheric acceleration figures, the inherent nature of electric motors, delivering instant maximum torque, suggests it could offer a compelling performance experience. It might even challenge the sportiest gasoline-powered Mustangs, such as the formidable 760-horsepower Shelby GT500, which is slated to arrive just months before the electric SUV.
The new “Mustang-inspired” SUV is entering a competitive landscape, with the Tesla Model Y poised to be a major rival. However, the broader electric vehicle market is on the cusp of explosive growth in the next 12 to 18 months. Audi has already launched its e-tron SUV, Porsche’s Taycan is imminent, and virtually every major automaker, including General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, and Volkswagen, has significant electric vehicle programs underway.
Ford’s commitment to this electric future is substantial, with an $11 billion investment. This figure doesn’t even include the $500 million stake in electric vehicle startup Rivian announced last spring. Furthermore, Ford has forged a strategic alliance with Volkswagen to share EV research and development, including utilizing VW’s modular electrification architecture, which will underpin numerous future Volkswagen electric vehicles.
The ultimate challenge for Ford, and its competitors, lies in consumer adoption. Despite Tesla’s success with the Model 3, plug-in vehicles still represent a small fraction of the US market, hovering around 2%. Ford acknowledges that “education” is crucial to address lingering concerns about EVs. However, compelling products like the new Mustang SUV are equally essential. Ford is betting that this electric SUV will be precisely that – a compelling product that drives broader EV acceptance and electrifies the iconic Mustang legacy for a new era.
