Ford Study Shows 36,000 Mustang Mach-E Batteries Retained 92% Capacity After Five Years

Ford Motor Company has released battery health data from approximately 36,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs, revealing that the vehicles retained an average of 92% of their usable battery capacity after five years of operation. The study, which focused on 2021 model year vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada, addresses common consumer concerns regarding long-term electric vehicle durability.

What Happened

The Detroit automaker analyzed data from Mach-Es equipped with nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery packs, as the lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) option was not introduced until the 2023 model year. On average, the studied vehicles had traveled 55,000 miles over a period of 5.2 years. Ford noted that a top-trim 2021 Mustang Mach-E, originally rated for 305 miles of EPA range, would theoretically be rated for around 280 miles today based on these retention figures.

The data indicated that higher mileage had a minimal negative impact on battery health. Vehicles with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, numbering over 2,000 in the dataset, retained more than 91% of their battery capacity. For the roughly 30 vehicles that had covered more than 200,000 miles, battery health remained at 88%. Ford stated that 95% of the 36,000 cars in the study fell within a battery health range of 87% to 97%.

Kevin Vander Lann, Ford’s technical leader of high-voltage battery cells and systems, described the findings as a positive "five-year report card" for the company's engineering. He noted that while lab tests and computer models predict degradation before launch, real-world data provides the ultimate validation. The results align with broader industry trends; for instance, data from battery-health startup Aviloo showed the Mustang Mach-E at 92.5% health after approximately 93,000 miles, comparable to models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BMW i4.

Why It Matters

This study provides significant reassurance to prospective EV buyers concerned about battery degradation, a topic frequently compared to smartphone battery life. The data suggests that modern EV batteries, when managed correctly, do not suffer from the steep decline seen in earlier models like the first-generation Nissan Leaf, which lacked sophisticated thermal management. The findings support the viability of long-term ownership and the residual value of electric vehicles.

However, Ford emphasized that battery health is influenced by usage patterns and environmental factors. Vehicles operated in hot climates, such as the American Southwest, tend to age more rapidly than those in temperate zones. Additionally, frequent fast-charging to 100% and draining to near-empty levels accelerates wear compared to keeping the battery within the 20% to 80% range. To maximize longevity, Ford recommends parking in shade during hot weather, preconditioning the cabin while plugged in, and relying primarily on Level 2 charging for daily use.

The insights gained from this dataset are informing the development of Ford’s next-generation electric vehicles, including the upcoming sub-$30,000 Fathom pickup. Vander Lann stated that the continuous flow of real-world data helps engineering teams refine designs and predict performance more accurately for future models.

The Bottom Line

Ford’s analysis of 36,000 Mustang Mach-Es confirms that the 2021 model year vehicles retained an average of 92% of their battery capacity after five years and 55,000 miles. Even high-mileage examples exceeding 100,000 miles maintained over 91% health, challenging perceptions of rapid EV battery degradation.