Ford Mustang Mach-E: Australian launch looking likely as production ramps up

UPDATE: Mach-E production ramps up – Australia still not official, but signs are there

You'd be forgiven if you've given up on the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E ever coming to Australia. Especially with the carmaker crowing today of its availability in 37 countries, up from 22 countries in its first year on sale – and Australia still isn't among them.

On the other hand, Ford also says it has plans "to add more markets next year", and as our evolving story below suggests, Australia will likely be one of them.

Ford's announcement today centred on it having now built 150,000 Mach-E SUVs, and it intends to build 270,000 next year as part of an overall plan to send 600,000 EVs to new homes in 2023. By 2026, it expects that number to grow to 2 million annually.

"The plant is buzzing," said Deborah Manzano, Ford’s director of manufacturing. “There’s a new battery line, new chassis line, additional assembly line, we’re literally maxing out the space to make more Mustang Mach-E vehicles."

Ford says that "almost all" of the Mustang Mach-E’s growth has come from customers replacing an internal combustion vehicle with electric power. More than 8-in-10 US customers and 9-in-10 European customers have made the Mach-E their first EV.

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The story to here

September 2: Ford Mustang Mach-E looking likely for Australia

There’s still no official confirmation, but an Australian launch of the Mustang Mach-E is shaping up as a sure thing.

Tipped to launch here next year, Ford is expected to make an announcement about its plans for the all-electric Mustang Mach-E later this month.

Wheels understands the Mach-E will play a key role as one of the five electrified models Ford has promised to launch in Australia by the end of 2024.

Already here and en route are the Ford Escape PHEV and two E-Transit variants, with the Mach E and a plug-in hybrid version of the new-generation Ford Ranger set to complete the set of five promised models.

Yet despite the mounting speculation that the Mach E is a sure thing Down Under, Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic remained tight-lipped when we quizzed him at the media launch of the new Everest and Ranger Raptor.

“I have no comment really in relation to Mach E,” he said. “What we know is it’s an amazing vehicle. New Zealand is taking it, so that has been confirmed, but nothing confirmed for Australia.”

Ford is sending a group of Australia journalists – including our Daniel Gardner, to the Detroit motor show this month – where they will also drive the Mustang Mach E.

Birkic batted away suggestions this was another strong hint the Mach E was destined for Australia.

“I’m not going to provide any further commentary in relation to that vehicle come to Australia,” he said.

Stay tuned for more.

Alex Inwood

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August 11: Recent comments could hint at Mach-E plans

In announcing the exit of the popular Focus ST and Fiesta ST models on August 5, Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic said the company would continue its focus on SUVs, commercial vehicles... and electrification.

We already know the company's E-Transit models are bound for Australia, but to make a point of electrification in this announcement – while possibly just an effort to remind buyers that Ford will have at least one offering in the market's most talked-about new segment – could also be a sly hint the Mustang Mach-E is at least nearing confirmation for Australia.

If Australia had emissions regulations, the Mach-E would likely already be on its way here – in the same way it was legislation that motivated Ford to make some supply available for New Zealand.

But, like Volkswagen – a loud proponent of emissions regulations – the absence of such rules is unlikely to stop the Mach-E coming here. Volkswagen's ID EVs are on their way, although late, and Ford will likely make space on its production line for our market too.

Watch for more news to come in the weeks and months ahead.

Mike Stevens

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July 26: Ford Mustang Mach-E confirmed for NZ, still “no news” for Oz

Ford has confirmed the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV will arrive in New Zealand in early 2023 – but an Australian launch remains off the cards.

Across the ditch, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E will compete against the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, with sales first commencing in December 2020 for the United States.

A spokesperson for Ford Australia said the company had no information to share on the local prospects of the Mustang Mach-E, without ruling out its launch entirely.

“[The] Mustang Mach-E is a spectacular vehicle and we’re excited for the team across the Tasman. We have no news to share on any plans to introduce Mach-E to Australia,” the spokesperson said.

Right-hand drive examples of the Mustang Mach-E went on sale in the United Kingdom 18 months ago, while Ford trademarked the nameplate in Australia earlier this year.

Two battery options are offered: a 75.7kWh standard range variant, or 98.7kWh extended range option. The flagship Mach-E GT produces 358kW of power and 860Nm of torque, with a claimed 3.7-second time for the 0-100km/h run.

Late last year, Ford Australia announced five electrified models would be rolled out by 2024, kicked off by the Escape PHEV and forthcoming E-Transit all-electric full-size commercial van.

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Based on a modified version of the current model’s platform, the smaller E-Transit Custom will arrive in 2024.

“There’ll be more to come,” the spokesperson added, hinting at the two as-yet-unannounced models, which could include an all-new SUV primarily designed for Europe.

However, the Mustang Mach-E remains uncertain for Australia, with strong demand in more EV-centric markets – now including New Zealand, following the introduction of emissions-reducing legislation for vehicles.

Talk of an all-electric Ranger Lightning was hushed at the ute’s local launch this month, but electrification is likely to arrive at some point during the decade-long lifespan of the new-generation T6.2 Ranger.

Meanwhile, the F-150 Lightning remains unavailable in factory RHD configuration, but a factory-backed local conversion has the potential to follow the Australian launch of the internal-combustion F-150 in mid-2023.

New Zealand introduced its Clean Car Standard on April 1, 2022, encouraging carmakers to sell electric or low-CO2 vehicles through incentives, while imposing a fee on high-polluting cars.

Ford New Zealand also offers mild-hybrid versions of the Focus and Puma, the Escape PHEV and Transit Custom PHEV, and a forthcoming Escape Hybrid.