Electric Mustang - ROCKFORD'S COOLEST CAR

The Thayer Energy Solutions Mustang Mach-E sports its EV status proudly, with the Thayer logo and a luminescent lightning bolt.

It moves as quick as lightning, too.

“The acceleration is incredible,” said Patti Thayer Geissler, owner of Thayer Energy Solutions. “Driving an electric car is fun. They’re quiet, smooth and the Mustang handles beautifully.”

The car’s technology is exceptionally cool as well. Sure, the Mach-E comes with a key fob, but users can also use their own phone to unlock and start the car, without using the fob at all. With a phone, owners can lock or unlock the car, open the trunk, or even raise and lower the windows remotely.

Synched with a phone, the car can identify the driver and automatically turn on the driver’s preset profile. It even learns the user’s driving style to modify battery range estimates.

Like many Fords, the Mustang has a touch-panel code lock on the driver-side door. The center console has a backup start passcode that allows the driver to start the car even when the cell phone is unavailable or has a dead battery.

The Mach-E leans into maximizing charge range by taking advantage of its aerodynamics design, like intuitive doors that open without an obvious door handle.

Thanks to the growing popularity of electric vehicles, charging options are more plentiful.

“There are apps that make finding chargers easier to locate in the wild,” Thayer said. “And setting up a charger in your garage has become more affordable while gas has become more expensive.”

Now, when Rockfordians see a Mustang with a lightning bolt, they’ll know they’ve spotted a very cool car.