Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first electric vehicle, which debuted in 2019. Since then it has amassed an impressive list of firsts, none more important than its EV safety record. In 2023, it’s the only mid-size electric SUV to top all of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) test categories.
How many 2023 mid-size electric SUVs are in the safety test?
IIHS testing of 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV | IIHS
The IIHS conducts specific EV safety crash tests, where specific impacts are measured by sensors placed in critical areas of test dummy bodies. Impact sensors for the head, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs detect impacts. There are 11 categories in total, including this year’s latest tests for side impact protection and pedestrian protection.
This year, 13 midsize SUVs qualified for IIHS testing. IIHS President David Harkey noted that while drivers are the safest in an accident, there is “inadequate front impact protection for rear-seat passengers.” And the only EV that passes this and the other 10 tests is the Mach-E.
How many IIHS electric vehicle safety tests are there?
The Tesla Model Y, Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent all received good ratings. Three others, the Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas, all received marginal ratings. At the bottom are the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wagner four-door, Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Murano.
General crash tests on the safety of electric vehicles include crash safety, accident avoidance and mitigation, seat belts and child restraint systems as well as tests of the safety functions offered. Within each of these general categories are individual tests for things like front overlap impact, side impact, roof strength, and head and seat restraints. The four possible grades are Good, Acceptable, Minor, and Poor.
What safety features does the Mustang Mach-E EV have?
IIHS testing of 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV | IIHS
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E features a range of safety and driver assistance technologies. Called the Ford C-Pilot 360, it includes the following standard EV safety features:
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross traffic warning.
- Lane Keeping Assist with Blind Spot Assist.
- Lane keeping system with lane edge detection.
- Backup camera.
- Automatic high beam.
- Reverse Brake Assist.
- Rear parking sensors.
- Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking.
Moving on to the Premium and California Route 1 trims, Ford adds a 360-degree camera system, BlueCruise hands-free system and active parking assist. The Mustang Mach-E has nine airbags. These include two front, driver’s knee, front, rear and side airbags.
What are the wait times for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E?
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV | ford
At the moment, Ford says order wait times for all models except the Premium trim are between 18 and 22 weeks. For this, Ford extends the waiting period to 24 months. Why the potential for longer wait times for Premium Mach-It hasn’t been explained. Suffice it to say that if you order now you will have to wait a year and a half to two years. It is assumed that the model year of your Mach-E is determined by the year it was delivered, but check with Ford for details.