Update: Forget Ford vs. Ferrari; It’s Ford vs. Tesla

Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E Heat Up SUV EV Wars

UPDATE: Since we first published this story a little more than a week ago, two updates have come to our attention–appropriately, one for each of Tesla and Ford. Here they are:

The first customer delivery of the Tesla Model Y is days away, according to the online chatter. More and more of the Model Ys are showing up on transporters and in lots apparently ready to be handed over to customers. More on that soon. Also side-by-side comparisons show the Model Y to be comparable in size to the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes GLB, so maybe more of a midsize rather than compact crossover.

On the Ford side, the company announced more data from its reservation database. The first year’s allotment of the Mustang Mach-E is almost sold out as Ford announces reservations for almost all of the 50,000 units planned for initial production. Ford also said 60 percent of the reservations have come from non-Ford-owning folks (defined as those who haven’t bought a Ford or Lincoln in the past 15 years). On the other side, one-fourth of the reservations come from folks who have previously owned a Mustang. Three-fourths of the reservations have been for all-wheel drive versions, a number that hits nine of 10 in winter-challenging areas like New England.

Our Original Article

Up to 2019, one of the biggest raps on electric cars was the lack of model choice. Sedans, especially small sedans, were plentiful, but the overall car market had moved on to more versatile crossovers and SUVs. A few new electric crossover players hit the market last year, but two major, much-anticipated models arrive this year—the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

The Model Y launch date, like most Tesla new model introductions, has been all over the map since it was originally mentioned in long-range product plans. To the surprise of many of those with orders for the top-line Model Y, notices went out recently to configure their cars and prepare for delivery. The first deliveries are now expected as soon as next week (around March 15).

Half-way across the country, Ford is tallying up the orders for the Mach-E, its first true contender in the EV market (the Ford Focus Electric does really count). Ford announced this month that it had orders for the electric crossover in all 50 states and, in a slight dig at Tesla, added that all orders have been linked with local dealers who will provide support and service for the new cars (Tesla sells direct to consumers and has service centers and mobile service available, but service shortfalls have been one of the biggest complaints by Tesla owners).

The Tale of the Tape

These two models go after the same market segment with a similar style. The Tesla builds on the wildly popular Model 3 sedan while the Mach-E plays on the hallowed Mustang name and borrows some styling cues. The roll out of the first deliveries play to a slightly different market strategy.

The first Model Y’s that Tesla delivers will be the AWD models—the long-range (315-mile range) going for $52,990 and the performance edition for $60,990. Then there’s a performance “upgrade” for another $10,000. But, as with most cars, that doesn’t include everything. Anything other than white pearlcoat will cost extra. If you want a white interior rather than the standard black that’s another $1,000. The seven-passenger version won’t be available at launch. Finally, while Tesla’s Autopilot (adaptive cruise control) is standard, what the company calls Full Self-Driving Capability costs $7,000 more. Check all the boxes and your Tesla Model Y will end up with a $70,990 sticker and no longer qualifies for a federal tax credit. Two-wheel drive models, along with a shorter range option and the seven-passenger configuration, are due to show up sometime in 2021.

Like Tesla, Ford’s first Mach-E models will be more limited than the ultimate offerings. The Premium model will be the first one out of the shoot. The entry-level Select model and higher end California Route 1 Edition and high-performance GT model are due in 2021. If you check all of the available Premium option boxes you end up taking the base $52,400 price up to $58,700, but Ford still is eligible for the 7,500 federal tax credit.

It’s not apples and apples, of course. While the touchscreens are the same size, the initial Tesla Model Y looks to have a performance advantage over the Mach-E. Tesla’s range also will best Ford’s by a substantial margin, but neither are focusing on hauling more than five passengers at the outset. Ford’s red metallic clearcoat is one-fifth the cost of Tesla’s, but Ford’s technology, while good, is not at the same level of sophistication as Tesla’s.

It’s Good to Have Choices

We’re not here to denigrate any EV. The Model Y and Mach-E are the start of a new era where electric cars offer real choices, just like their internal engine siblings. Buyers will need to weigh their own feelings about the various brands, competitive car features and critical elements like actual cost and service availability.

Tesla has been unusually mum about the number of reservations it has for the Model Y, but there are clearly enough to make a big splash with initial deliveries this month. Elon Musk, with the support of some automotive analysts, predicted that the Model Y would quickly become Tesla’s best-selling model.

Meanwhile, all Ford can do is point to slick graphic showing the exterior color choices of Mach-E orders around in the country (all 50 states). The company pointed out that its First Edition version is sold out and about 30 percent of reservations are planning to wait until next year when the GT model is available.

Choice is a great thing, especially when it comes to EVs.

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