The EV Charging Experience

After our 113-mile drive, which included a detour to the store, there were 75 miles of range when we arrived in Palm Springs. On the highway, our average speed was roughly 70 mph—and on occasion, higher. Conveniently, the Palm Springs Visitors Center has an EVgo fast-charging station. When we plugged in and completed the payment process, the message on the machine read "charge failed." The issue led us to search for another charging station in the area. Finding one was not difficult using the Next EV Charge app on theMach-E touchscreen infotainmentsystem.

At the second location, the machine froze in the "processing payment" stage. We called EVgo customer service for assistance, and they immediately had a representative on the line. After we explained the issue, the rep was able to troubleshoot the charger and process the payment over the phone. She stated that had we called EVgo from the first station, they could've helped. The entire process took 15 minutes, and the Mach-E battery was now charging.

About an hour into charging, the session ended. It cost $16.20 to increase the battery's state of charge from 30 percent to 83 percent. Following dinner, the time had come to return to Los Angeles. A Detroit-style playlist featuring AC/DC, ZZ Top, and Journey with a side of caffeine kept us awake all the way home.

Don't Underestimate the Electric Pony

Charging and going on a long trip requires a bit more planning than filling at a gas station, but it's not a huge inconvenience. For anyone thinking of making the transition to an electric-powered vehicle, you may want to consider the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The starting price is $43,995 before federal tax credits, state rebates, and available incentives.

Whether the Mach-E is a real Mustang or not is irrelevant. How confident do you feel driving it? Does it check all the boxes: safety, range, interior, styling, equipment, etc. These are the things that matter. Add its recent IIHS Top Safety Pick overall rating, and this midsize electric SUV is one not to be overlooked.

SPECIFICATIONS	2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
BASE PRICE	$43,995
PRICE AS TESTED	$48,500
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Rear-motor, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
MOTOR	266-hp/317-lb-ft AC Permanent magnet electric
TRANSMISSION	1-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,394 lb (48/52%)
WHEELBASE	117.5 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	185.6 x 74.1 x 64.0 in
0-60 MPH	6.0 sec
QUARTER MILE	14.6 sec @ 94.8 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	118 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.84 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.8 sec @ 0.65 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	105/93/100 mpg-e
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	32/36 kWh/100 miles