Electric Mustang to get over-the-air updates

Ford will ensure its all-electric Mustang Mach-E stays up to date with quick and easy over-the-air software upgrades.

Many updates can be completed in under two minutes, enabled by an innovative cloud-connected platform that keeps current software running until a new version is ready to go – technology not available in some popular smartphones, Ford says.

Latest testing shows the Mach-E charge time has improved by nearly 30% from early estimates, reaching an average 117km range within 10 minutes.

That’s when using an Ionity fast charging station compared with previous, more conservative computer-simulated estimates for the extended-range battery, rear-wheel drive configuration.

The electric Mustang has a targeted electric driving range of about 600km (WLTP).

Secure software updates to offer enhancements throughout the SUV, from the SYNC communications and entertainment system to upgrades that enhance quality, capability and convenience can be downloaded in the background, the company says.

“The beauty of the Mustang Mach-E is that what our customers experience on day one is just the beginning – it will evolve to add even more features and capabilities over time,” Ford Motor Company connected services manager John Vangelov says.

“Our clever over-the-air updates also minimise downtime through incredibly fast activation and ensure your Mustang Mach-E is always getting better, even when you’re asleep.”

Nearly all Mach-E computer modules can be updated wirelessly, meaning Ford can deliver performance enhancements and entirely new features that might not exist when customers first take delivery of their vehicles.

Customers can select a regular time – such as the middle of the night – for updates while their Mach-E is parked.

Many updates will be completed almost instantly after a customer starts their vehicle, while in-vehicle alerts will tell them what improvements have been installed, Ford says.

The first updates are expected within six months after the first Mustang Mach-E vehicles are with customers. Owners will receive notifications detailing the software updates when they are available, which can then be applied using either wifi or cellular connections, depending on the update.

“We’ve made it a priority to make it faster to recharge their Mustang Mach-E, and we’re continuing to work with providers to make even more charge points available through FordPass to make it easier to recharge,” Ford EV global director Mark Kaufman says.

The Mach-E is due in Europe and the US later this year.