We all know how the TFL guys like to rename their trials with something that involves “the world’s toughest” - whether it’s involving big pickup trucks and towing or passenger cars with electric drive. Of course, everything is also more fun when there’s snow in Colorado, so the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y are clearly in for a tough challenge.
To get the assignment even harder, The Fast Lane’s latest comparison between the Mach-E and the Model Y involves a double challenge as they're embarking on both The Loveland Trials and they will continue onto the Ike Gauntlet as well.
As far as the vehicles involved in this review, we’re dealing with a Mach-E and Model Y, two electric crossover SUVs that are direct competitors, though in this particular case there are some specification differences that get explained along the way. Suffice to say, this is an AWD Mach-E with standard range, while the Mode Y is in Performance configuration; they have their batteries explained at the 9:25 mark.
After a quick presentation (from 1:45) of the situation, we get the significant details – both are going on a long journey (143 miles/230 km to the recharging stations, where there’s a quick charging race from the 17:52 mark) over two mountain passes to find out which one is more efficient.
The drive kicks off at the 3:10 mark with the first surprise already revealed. To properly balance the weight difference of around 100 pounds (45 kg) in favor of the Model Y (both are very heavy vehicles, though), the TFL guys also brought Blaze the mountain dog along for the ride in the back of the Tesla.
Because the latter car is also an Autopilot expert and there’s heavy traffic involved, the Model Y and Mach-E both showcase their respective semi-autonomous systems from the 6:20 mark; we can safely say the former delivers a seamless experience while the latter... is eventually getting there.
Once they come up on top of the Loveland pass it’s time for a quick battery check-up (12:00) in preparation for the Ike Gauntlet portion that kicks off with a little rolling race from 14:53. No surprise here, though, because the Performance in the Model Y name says it all, right?
The second surprise of the day presents itself once they arrive at the intended destination, a Supercharger station for the Model y and an Electrify America location for the Mach-E, where the latter encounters not one, but two failing outlets. A bummer, since they were looking to see who gets the biggest charge in over a 15-minute period.
By the way, here’s surprise number three – the Model Y not only reached the station with less battery usage (56% to 70% for the Mach-E), but it also managed to get in a larger amount of kW during the charging race once the Ford managed to find a working outlet on its third attempt.
The conclusion is quite obvious; although both cars got an equal amount of points based on the subjective findings in the test, there’s one potential deal breaker: the charging infrastructure.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News