Mustang Mach-E battery details

FORD Australia has launched the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover SUV, and it has an interesting battery technology trick up its sleeve.

The three-grade model range opens with the entry-level Select, with a 72kWh battery pack, and then steps up to the Premium and GT, both of which have a 91kWh battery.

The Select 72kWh model is said to offer a WLTP-rated driving range of 470km, while the Premium ups that to 600km WLTP, because of its larger-capacity battery. The GT steps the range down to 490km WLTP, as it has a dual-motor layout which draws more on the battery bank.

What’s intriguing about the battery systems in these models is the fact that the larger-capacity Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery pack in the Premium and GT grades is actually lighter than the smaller-capacity Lithium-ion Phosphate (LFP) battery in the base model Select.

Ford Australia Icons product manager, Myles Hartley, outlined the benefits of the two different types of battery chemistry, with the LFP offering durability and affordability, while the NCM is better for power application and cold weather performance.

“The battery sitting beneath the floorboards is low and flat. That gives a really great centre of gravity,” said Mr Hartley.

“The LFP, or lithium-ion phosphate, 72-kilowatt-hour battery weighs in at 600 kilos, is really durable and capable of taking up 10.5kW AC charging, and 150kW charging in DC. This battery is all about being durable, slightly more affordable and also faster charging. Great for short routine commutes,” he said.

“The NCM battery, nickel cobalt manganese, is the 91-kilowatt-hour battery. What you'll notice here is the battery's actually lighter at 596 kilograms, so it has greater energy density but still taking the same charge rate – so AC 10.5kW, DC 150kW. This is great for range, power and good performance in cold weather,” said Mr Hartley.

The overall kerb weight of the Mustang Mach-E varies significantly depending on the grade, too. The Mustang Mach-E Select base model has a kerb weight of 2104kg, while the Premium – with 130km of extra driving range and more standard equipment – is 2098kg, and the dual-motor GT performance version is the heaviest, at 2281kg.

There is a difference in the power outputs for each grade, too. The Select has 198kW of power and 430Nm of torque, while the Premium bumps power to 216kW/430Nm, and the go-fast GT model has a huge 358kW of power and 860Nm of torque, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds.

Ford Australia has priced the Mustang Mach-e crossover at $79,990 (MSRP) for the base model Select, $91,665 (MSRP) for the Premium and $107,665 (MSRP) for the GT.

The Mustang Mach-E will compete with similarly-sized EV crossover SUV models like the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Ford Australia will also launch the more traditional petrol-powered successor to the Mustang coupe and convertible in the first quarter of 2024.