These Three Ford EVs Have the Competition Scrambling to Play Catch-Up

September 15th, 2023 by

A black and white 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is shown driving near an ocean after viewing electric cars for sale.

If you’re among the millions of American drivers looking for electric cars for sale, you might want to start with the Ford lineup. The Blue Oval brand has leaned into the EV space, dominating multiple segments and leaving the competition in a cloud of combustion engine dust.

Ford’s commitment to electrification began with the Mustang Mach E, a modern BEV crossover with a driving range of up to 300 miles and a blisteringly quick zero-to-sixty time. Ford followed the successful Mustang Mach E with the Ford F-150 Lightning, a bold decision that gambled the brand’s best-selling full-size pickup would sell just as well with an electric powertrain.

That gamble paid off and fueled Ford fans’ interest in electric vehicles. On the retail side, the E-Transit provides an all-electric alternative for commercial van buyers. Now, Ford is building on that momentum. Future plug-in hybrid and EV versions are planned for Ford’s most successful nameplates, including the Bronco and the Explorer.

Alongside Ford’s masterful product launches is an effort to build an infrastructure of charging stations across the country; it leads the EV revolution and has committed to investing over $50b in electric vehicles over the next few years and producing as many as two million EVs in the 2026 model year. It’s a global strategy that includes building factories, developing batteries, and inking deals with key suppliers—and setting the stage for Ford’s EV dominance are these three EV models…

A Brilliant Athletic Crossover in the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E

Achieving a near-perfect 9/10 rating from Car and Driver, the 2024 Mustang Mach E crossover does double duty as a true performance crossover and a capable family vehicle. Four trims—the Select, Premium California Route 1, and GT—comprise the 2024 lineup, offering an alternative for a range of buyers, including budget seekers and those looking to optimize performance and driving range. Here are a few of the Mustang Mach E’s standout trims:

Mach E Select: Highlights of the entry Select trim include a standard 250-mile range, seating for five, and an innovative “frunk” with drainage that’s perfect for storing cold beverages at your next tailgate party. A wireless device charger is standard, along with a 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with connected navigation. The 72-kWh battery fuels the Mustang Mach E Select’s rear motor; opting for eAWD adds a second motor to the front axle.

Mach E Premium: The Premium offers upscale cabin features and upgraded audio, with a standard ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that includes a subwoofer and provides occupants with immersive, concert-grade sound. A power liftgate is standard, as is a panoramic fixed-glass roof that lets the sunlight in.

Mach E GT: The GT’s 270-mile range and a zero-to-sixty time of just 3.8 seconds are just the beginning of the Mach E GT’s story. This trim includes standard eAWD and the option to upgrade to a GT Performance Edition, which adds a MagneRide Damping System and 20-inch wheels to the already well-outfitted top-of-the-line Mach E trim.

A blue 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is shown driving on a city street.

Best-Selling Capability Meets EV Tech in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning

The F-150 is America’s best-selling vehicle and has been for more than 30 years. Ford builds on that success with the F-150 Lightning, an all-electric version that offers up to 320 miles of driving range, an 8,500-lb max tow rating, and a four-trim lineup that includes a trim specially made for commercial buyers. Here is an overview of each:

The Pro: As the base trim, the Pro offers the most affordable starting price. It features a 12.0-inch touchscreen and a 2.4-kW Pro Power Onboard system that harnesses electric power like a generator and provides 2,400 watts of electricity via two 12-volt outlets in the bed.

The XLT: This trim adds some drama with a front-end LED headlight bar that runs across the grille and a 360-degree camera system that can generate a bird’s eye view of your rig on the portrait-mounted touchscreen. An interior work surface is also standard.

The Lariat: Ford includes SYNC 4A, their most advanced infotainment operating system available; connected navigation and voice-activated app interaction are just two of the many technologies that come with it. A power one-touch tailgate is also standard.

The Platinum: The most capable and luxurious F-150 Lightning, the Platinum features a 300-mile range and Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free cruise control feature that works on over 130,000 miles of roads and highways. Luxurious Nirvana leather seating is standard, with memory settings, heating, and ventilation in the front.

Zero-Emissions Commercial Driving in the 2023 E-Transit Van

Ford’s electrification strategy doesn’t leave out commercial buyers. The 2023 E-Transit offers fleet buyers a compelling alternative to combustion engine vans. Ford estimates that scheduled maintenance for the E-Transit will cost 40% less—and with multiple available configurations, the E-Transit can morph into the ideal vehicle for many businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprints.

Buyers can choose from three body lengths, three roof heights, and a cargo van, chassis cab, or cutaway body style. Inside, a 12.0-inch touchscreen displays turn-by-turn directions and offers access to streaming apps like Spotify as well as critical vehicle data, including charge level. Pro Power Onboard is available, making powering tools on the job site easier and more efficient than lugging a generator around.

As for range, Ford estimates the E-Transit can achieve between 108 and 126 miles, depending on roof height. The E-Transit comes in regular, long, and extended-length versions, offering businesses versatility and configurability. Fleet buyers looking to explore EV technology will benefit from Ford’s monitoring software and systems, as well as the standard FordConnect app-based connectivity system that converts your smartphone into a key, stores data on battery life, and notifies you with upcoming maintenance reminders.

Other features available on the 2023 E-Transit include a power sliding side door and a 360-degree camera system that offers a split view to help maneuver in tight spaces. The Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control option includes a Traffic Sign Recognition capability that can detect speed limit changes and automatically adjust the driver’s speed. Buyers can also add the available Blind Spot Assist 1.0 system, which actively monitors the blind spot on both sides of the vehicle to assist with safe lane changes.

A white 2023 Ford E-Transit van is shown parked and charging.

What’s Next From the Blue Oval?

Ford’s EV momentum shows no signs of stopping, as rumors swirl about a possible all-electric Explorer and the addition of a plug-in hybrid Bronco in the 2025 model year. Ford also teased a brand-new three-row electric SUV sized to the Expedition’s dimensions; at a recent press conference, Ford executives announced that this large SUV was coming in 2025 and would offer a 350-mile range via a lighter and faster-charging 100-kWh battery.

Although no firm plans are confirmed, Ford undoubtedly hopes to overtake Tesla as the best-selling EV brand in the industry. Currently in second place, Ford is handily outpacing every other automaker with a reported 41% increase in EV sales at the beginning of the 2023 model year. A new battery manufacturing plant is coming to Michigan in 2026, which Ford says will be pivotal for the production of its more efficient lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology.

If you’re considering shifting to an all-electric lifestyle, keep an eye on Ford; this automaker is laser-focused on delivering a full lineup of affordable EVs in every body style as part of a company-wide effort to achieve carbon neutrality—a strategy that also benefits America’s EV buyers.