Quick Compare: Tesla Model Y Vs Ford Mustang Mach-E — Ford’s Electric Car Could Be Cool Competitor

One of the most anticipated electric cars of 2020 is the Mustang Mach-E. How does it compare to Tesla’s newest? Read on.

This is a very basic comparison aimed at buyers new to the electric car market.

If you’re buying your first EV, Tesla is an easy choice: in America, it’s practically synonymous with electric car and everyone (who’s buying electrics) seems to be buying one.

But Ford has the chance to change that buying dynamic by bringing a storied nameplate to the EV space, the Mustang.

Like the Model Y, the Mustang Mach-E is a crossover. And like the Model Y, the Mach-E’s physical design is a far cry from the early electrics that simply swapped out a gas engine for an electric motor (like the 2012 Ford Focus electric), i.e., the Mach-E was designed from the ground up as an electric car.

The Mach-E also gives you things you’ll find on the Model Y like plenty of cargo space including a front trunk (frunk), long battery range (on the Premium and other pricier models), wireless charging, and a 15-inch touch display

Ford also gives you a 10.2-inch “digital cluster” display directly in front of the driver that shows you things such as speed, battery percentage, and range remaining — a feature you won’t find on a Model Y or Model 3.

The one thing you won’t get on the Mach-E is self-driving* — not at first. Tesla calls the basic version of this Autopilot (which is standard on any Tesla) and the advanced version “Full Self Driving” which is an $8,000 option on the Model Y.

Ford’s self-driving, aka “hands free driving,” is called Active Drive Assist, which will be available as an over-the-air (OTA) update in the third quarter of 2021 for those buying a Mach-E this year or in the first half of next year. Pricing will be announced later when it’s closer to release

Other Mach-E models offered by Ford are the California Route 1 (300-mile range, late 2020) and GT (0-60 in the mid three second range, summer 2021).

*Self-driving can more accurately be described as driver assist or partially automated driving.