Although the Blue Oval’s first electric vehicle is still a year away from becoming a reality, interested buyers will be able to make steps between now and then.
The name of the Mustang Mach–E was not the only controversy when Ford introduced it. The Mustang name is a big draw, but the wait for delivery was over a year. It’s a very long wait for eager Mach-E customers to lose interest. However, for those who have already made deposits, there are allegedly some key dates that Ford has reportedly issued to its dealership network. This timeline will help keep the EV fresh in their minds.
The spring 2020 will be the next step, when dealers will confirm details such as pricing and vehicle options. After all details have been verified, the Mach-E order will be placed and the $500 deposit will be refunded to buyers. This is an important point because Ford claims that the First Edition Mach-E has been sold out. This timeline shows that reservations are Ford’s only remaining option at the moment. There have not been any actual orders for vehicles.
Next comes vehicle scheduling, which will take place in the summer. Dealers should keep in touch during this process with customers. Additionally, charging options will be communicated to them at this point. Forum members suggest that these options include the installation of high-powered home charging stations that Ford will include with the vehicle’s price so that buyers can add it to their financing.
Production will begin in the fall 2020. Mach-E buyers will be able test-drive an earlier model before they order. The payment and financing arrangements are also confirmed. This means that people will have the option to eject if they find the experience too disappointing. The Mach-E will be delivered in the second half of 2020 and the first part of 2021.
It is unclear how Ford’s dealership network will promote and embrace the Mach-E. Ford’s strict advertising policy that does not publish pricing below MSRP is a good example of this. Traditional dealerships spend the majority of their money on follow-up services, such as oil changes and maintenance. EVs require less maintenance than ICE vehicles. This could discourage dealerships from actively promoting Mach-E.