When the Ford Mustang Mach-E was first unveiled in late 2019, the traditional Mustang faithful—and even a lot of casual car fans—went apoplectic.
How, they wondered, could Ford turn an American icon of gas-powered performance into an electric car? And an electric crossover, at that? But while the "it's not a real Mustang" voices are still out there, they're now far less vocal than they used to be. The Mach-E quickly proved itself as a sharp everyday performer with excellent range and a growing list of advanced software features, so much so that it was often the second-best-selling EV in America behind the Tesla Model Y—no small feat.
But now, the Mach-E has outpaced even the traditional Ford Mustang in sales. And I'd argue that was an even bigger feat.
Ford's 2024 full-year sales data is finally here, and as our colleagues over at Motor1 pointed out, the traditional Mustang just had its worst year of sales in history. Maybe it was the polarizing looks of the new seventh-generation Mustang (which went on sale in 2023), or the fact that it got more expensive than previous models, or the fact that the two-door coupe market isn't ever going to be what it was in its heyday. America these days is a truck and SUV market, whether people like it or not, and the Mustang sadly isn't cutting like it used to.
Gallery: 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Review
Enter the Mustang Mach-E. In 2024, it had its best-ever sales year, with 51,745 examples of the electric crossover moving off dealer lots in the U.S. That was up nearly 27% from 2023, when the Mach-E sold 40,771 units. And in 2024, it handily trumped the gas-powered Mustang, which sold just 44,003 examples—a nearly 10% drop from the previous year.
The Mach-E has only gotten better since going on sale in 2021. It's seen several over-the-air software updates and was among the first non-Tesla EVs to gain access to Tesla's Supercharger network via an adapter. These days, it can be had in basic Select, more upscale Premium and go-fast GT and Rally trips, offering up to 320 miles and zero to 60 mph times as low as 3.3 seconds.
While the Mach-E lost its $7,500 EV tax credit in 2024 due to new restrictions on some battery materials from China, the EV does get that price cut when it's leased. But battery production is moving soon to Michigan, which ought to greatly help the car's chances of qualifying for the tax credit when purchased.
Moreover, Ford sweetened the deal by throwing in a home charger and covering installation costs, something it will continue doing in 2025. More and more people are probably realizing the electric Mustang is the one to get.
The news may be upsetting to 5.0-liter V8 fans everywhere, but at least the Mach-E is no slouch in the speed department—and probably better at carrying kids and groceries too.
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
