Ford’s analysis of battery performance across 36,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs over five years reveals that electric vehicle owners experience minimal long-term range loss. The study, which examined 2021 model-year vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada, showed that after an average of 55,000 miles and 5.2 years, these SUVs retained 92% of their original battery capacity. For a high-end Mach-E with an EPA-rated 305-mile range, that translates to roughly 280 miles—a reduction most drivers would overlook. All vehicles in the study used nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries, as Ford only began offering lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) packs in the 2023 model year.
Even among the most aggressive drivers, battery health remained strong. Over 2,000 Mach-Es that had logged 100,000 miles or more still held 91% of their original capacity, while the 30-plus vehicles exceeding 200,000 miles retained 88%. These results align with broader industry observations: Recurrent, which monitors used EV range, reports that most electric cars maintain 97% of their capacity after three years and 95% after five. A separate analysis by Aviloo, covering 500,000 EV batteries, found that after 150,000 kilometers (93,000 miles), most models retained 90% to 94% of their health, with the Mustang Mach-E matching Ford’s findings at 92.5%.
Ford’s data demonstrates that modern EVs avoid the severe degradation seen in earlier models. For instance, the first-generation Nissan Leaf experienced rapid battery wear due to less advanced thermal management. Today’s vehicles, including the Mach-E, incorporate refined cooling systems and software to reduce heat and charging stress. Still, extreme conditions accelerate wear. Batteries degrade faster in hot climates or when frequently fast-charged to full capacity or drained nearly empty. Ford’s data indicates that 95% of the 36,000 vehicles studied fell within a narrow range of 87% to 97% capacity, suggesting most drivers will not encounter significant losses under typical use.
Kevin Vander Laan, Ford’s technical leader for high-voltage battery systems, described the results as a “five-year report card” that confirms the automaker’s engineering approach. While Ford conducts lab tests and simulations before launch, real-world data, such as the Mach-E study, helps refine future designs. These insights will inform projects like the upcoming sub-$30,000 Fathom electric pickup, scheduled for release next year.
