Daily Slideshow: Ford Mustang to Go Electric by 2020

The Electric Slide

In January 2017, almost a year ago, Ford announced 13 vehicles that will be going electric, at least partially.  Some of those models included the F-150 (which is now being offered in gasoline, diesel, and hybrid models for the 2018 lineup), a Hybrid Transit, and a Mustang Hybrid. 

This is due, in part, to the ever-increasing EPA regulations and the tougher fuel economy standards.  However, an increasing number of governments (state, federal, and international) are requesting more EV (electric vehicle) options.  The best way that Ford (even Chevy, which is outpacing Ford in the world of EVs) is to accomplish this is to ease it into it slowly - by offering hybrid models.  

>>Join the conversation about the electrified Mustang of the near future here in The Mustang Source.

Ford's Push Towards Electrification

While General Motors had offered hybrids in the 2000's, Ford was a little slower to jump on the bandwagon, and rightfully so.  By observing GM's gaffe with the Hybrid Tahoe and Suburban, Ford was able to determine what failed for GM and what worked.  For GM, the problem was the higher purchase price with a moderate fuel consumption increase (from city 16 MPG to 21 MPG).  Ford's first attempt at being a mainstream model into the hybrid category is the F-150.  But this is a Mustang page...why the F-150 talk?  It is common to see research and development being shared across various model lines. With a 2.7L V6 EcoBoost starting the F-150 engine lineup and another version of the EcoBoost being offered to the Mustang, it's easy to see how the hybrid technology of the F-150 could be used in the Mustang. 

The Mustang is not a Hybrid, yet.  However, the basis is there to partially electrify the Mustang.  The base model 2018 Mustang comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost and has options for a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.  The turbocharged four-cylinder provides impressive numbers: 310 horsepower with 250 foot-pounds of torque and 30 MPG.  This is a great starting point for a future performance Hybrid Mustang.  Many scoff at the idea of a Hybrid Mustang, or even a four-cylinder Mustang (last offered in 1986), as it sounds a lot like the castration of a classic.  I am one of the many that, stubbornly, feel the Mustang should remain a gasoline burning V8.  Hopefully, Ford hears that and does not send the V8 Coyote out to pasture.

>>Join the conversation about the electrified Mustang of the near future here in The Mustang Source.

Positively Charged

As previously mentioned, there are those die-hard purists in favor of the V8. There are also many would love to see the V6 from either the Ford GT or the Raptor get dropped into a Mustang.  However, there are perks to an inline four cylinder Hybrid Mustang.  Ford claims that the hybrid versions will bring power comparable to the current V8 with better low-end torque.  The torque aspect is obvious as electric motors have instant power and provide amazing torque.  Could the new Hybrid Mustang outrun a Mustang GT? It's possible.    

While the hot topic of the Hybrid Mustang is performance, an often overlooked benefit to the Hybrids is that it will remain American.  The electrified lineup is to remain in Michigan and will add 700 jobs to the U.S. economy.  This is good news for those that are of the "Buy American" movement as moving the production of the Hybrid Mustang to Mexico would be another bitter taste for those American purists.  

>>Join the conversation about the electrified Mustang of the near future here in The Mustang Source.

2020 Vision

The Ford Hybrid Mustang is slated to be released in 2020.  Coincidentally, the 7th generation (S650) Mustang is to start being produced in 2020, two years ahead of schedule.  While there is little information about which Mustang rendition will receive the hybrid setup, it is not too much of a stretch to assume that a hybrid will be reserved for the next generation. 

As Ford continues to introduce more hybrid and EV models, a cost-effective method will have to be in place to transition into these varieties.  It has been speculated that the 7th generation Hybrid Mustang will be the basis for a platform common between multiple model lines.  It is an industry-wide practice to share common platforms.  Examples include General Motors (Alpha platform: Camaro, ATS, and CTS) and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (Giorgio platform: Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango, and 300).  Currently, the Mustang holds it's own as no other FoMoCo product uses the Mustang chassis.

>>Join the conversation about the electrified Mustang of the near future here in The Mustang Source.

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