In Wheel Time

ELECTRIFYING!

By Don Armstrong

Car makers are beginning the transition from internal combustion engines to battery powered electric motors. Manufacturers around the world are pouring billions and billions of dollars of their own money into R & D and battery technology, but government entities and private companies will be hard-pressed to keep up if we buy these electrics too quickly.

We recently had a chance to drive the allnew Ford Mustang Mach-E, an SUV that is touted to deliver up to a 300-mile range with a full charge of its extended range battery pack. However, things like a climate-controlled cabin, high-speed freeway jaunts and frequent fast starts will contribute to fewer miles before another charge.

Our test Mach-E came with a 110V “fuel” hose that plugged into the outlet on my front porch. Most buyers will opt for the 240V charging station that your electrician will have to install in the garage. That setup should give you about 30-miles per charging hour.

So, starting from empty it would take approximately 10-hours to reach a full charge. A DC charge – available through EV Go or other quick charge providers – can fill your battery from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. Are you ready to completely change your driving habits?

Because that’s what you’ll have to do as the owner of an EV – Electric Vehicle. Mapping out your charging spots along your route, plus charging time, will become part of your daily plan. Will you be able to access a DC charger at lunch, the same time everyone else is looking to do the same - and there are only 3 working chargers at that location? What will you do for 45 minutes while your car charges?

Granted, your EV will keep you updated on your current state of charge, when you need to stop and where the closest charger is to your current location. But it’s not like stopping at the corner convenience store. No more popping in for a full tank that takes maybe 5-minutes to fill and will get you all the way to Dallas without worry.

We’re not bashing the technology; we think it’s time has come, but are you ready to change everything you know about filling up at the “gas” station and having to “charge-sit” your new baby?

By the way, we really like the Mustang Mach-E. Thank you, Ford, for the loan.

Starts at $44,000.