Broken 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Software Might Cause a Dead Battery

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a groundbreaking entry into the original pony car stable for two reasons. It’s the first Mustang SUV, and it’s the first with an electric powertrain. That’s a big perk for fans who want to go green. But software hiccups could sour their enjoyment.

According to The Verge, some unfortunate Mach-E drivers might fall victim to battery malfunctions. An EV’s battery is its most expensive component and is costly to fix. So, what’s going on with the Mustang Mach-E, and how is Ford handling the problem?

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s battery problem

In some Mustang Mach-E models, the battery won’t start despite being fully charged. The Verge explains this is because the 12-volt lead-acid battery continuously gets its power from the main lithium-ion battery pack. The smaller battery is responsible for powering many of the Mach-E’s drive systems.

If the lithium-ion battery pack is being charged, the lead-acid battery won’t have any resources to charge itself. That’s why the car won’t start despite a full night of charging. Even worse, Ford actively instructs drivers in colder climates to charge the battery, allowing the car to warm up faster.

Ford’s response

RELATED: There Was Only 1 Sports Car Over $40,000 Consumer Reports Didn’t Recommend

Since becoming aware of the issue, Ford filed a technical service bulletin encouraging drivers to take their Mustang Mach-E to a dealership. The automaker says the problem affects only vehicles built this past February 3. Ford doesn’t clarify exactly how dealers will fix the problem because there’s no update to fix the battery yet.

However, it says an over-the-air update should be available later this year. Ford also assured the Verge that the battery issue doesn’t affect new Mustang Mach-E models. In the meantime, affected owners can contact Ford’s free roadside assistance program to jumpstart their cars’ batteries. Or they can jumpstart it themselves, but the process is complicated, and many people have damaged their vehicles in the attempt.

Don’t write off the Mustang Mach-E just yet

Nobody wants to deal with a faulty battery design, especially in a new vehicle. However, Ford clarified this error resulted from a since-resolved software glitch. The Mustang Mach-E is still one of the most promising entry-level vehicles in its segment.

Its base powertrain is a 198-kWh electric motor producing 266 hp. The California Route 1 and Premium trims boast bigger motors and offer the option to include the 300-mile Extended Range battery pack. The Mach-E’s standard range is only 230 miles.

The electric motor inside the Mustang Mach-E GT trims can produce up to 480 hp, but its range drops to 250 miles. The Mach-E GTs are the only models to include standard all-wheel drive, optional on every other model. Switching to AWD also gives the motor some extra torque.

Even though it’s an SUV, the Mach-E is as fun to drive as a traditional Mustang. It exhibits athletic cornering and steering yet doesn’t sacrifice ride comfort. According to U.S. News, the base powertrain model can reach 60 mph in six seconds. The powerful GT models can jump that distance in as little as 3.5 seconds.

Unsurprisingly, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is roomier than a regular Mustang. Despite the EV’s sloping roofline, most passengers in both rows have plenty of room to stretch. Synthetic leather seats are standard, and the cargo area is quite functional by EV standards.

Every Ford Mustang Mach-E also comes with a massive 15-inch touchscreen, programmed with the praised SYNC 4 infotainment system. It comes equipped with features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and smartphone integration, plus a full library of driver’s aids. Here’s hoping future Mustang Mach-E owners can experience this fun SUV as intended, with no battery problems.

The post Broken 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Software Might Cause a Dead Battery appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

Original post can be found on:  Motorbiscuit.com