New World: Mach-E Production Outpaces Traditional Mustang

By John Coyle - June 15, 2021

Purists beware, the delta between traditional and electric Mustang production will continue to grow.

Well, that was fast. We’re just about halfway through 2021, and at this point, Ford has build more electric Mustangs than traditional gas-powered versions. For the record? It’s not a terribly lopsided number. But figures just released by the Blue Oval report that 27,816 examples of the Mach-E have left the line. In comparison, internal-combustion models like the eagerly anticipated Mach 1 accounted for just 26,089 units. In case you majored in English? That’s a difference of 1,727 vehicles, which — let’s be clear here — isn’t even a rounding error for the bean counters in Dearborn.

It’s also important to remember the avalanche of hype behind the Mach-E, so obviously, Ford is pushing hard to fill orders for the hot new green machines. That could be wrecking the curve.

But I think this new delta speaks to a larger trend. Given that we’re looking at just five months of production, and sales of gas-powered Mustangs still far outpace their electric cousins, we could be looking at a statistical fluke. As the impacts of the pandemic fade, and the global chip shortage gets under control, we might see the old-school coupes surpass the electric interloper. For now, however, it looks like the Mach-E proved that, electric cars are pretty quick when you’re coming from a dig — even when it comes to sales.

For what it’s worth? I’m curious as to how long it’ll be before the production discrepancy is permanent. Because like it or not with the way the industry is pivoting toward all things electric, it might be sooner rather than later.

Back in January, there were reports that the first all-electric Mustang coupe was slated to arrive in 2028, which at this point sounds crazy far into the future. Of course, as far as automotive lifecycles go, it’s really not that far away, and it would mean that the upcoming generation of internal-combustion Mustangs would be the company’s last. Sure, it’ll be an eternity before you won’t see any “classic” versions on the road, but the time when you can’t buy a new gas-powered Mustang is just around the corner.

It’s also important to consider that the Mach-E is a crossover — the absolutely hottest platform in the automotive world today. These practical people movers and the machines that are shifting units, to the point where even legendary sports marques like Porsche and Lamborghini see most of their profits from the road-friendly SUVs. Hell, even Ferrari — though Modena is calling it something else — will be bringing one to market, which must tell you something. Obviously, I’ll be keeping an eye on production, and I predict within the next couple years, the Mach-E will move ahead for good. Mark my words.

Photos: Ford