For Kelly McGann, making the change from an internal combustion engine (ICE) to an electric vehicle (EV) was an easy decision.
Living in Leeds and the Thousand Islands region in Ontario, she works for a nature camp program with four different sites and has always been conscious of her environmental footprint.
“Being able to do my job with less impact on the environment has made me feel a lot less stress and also like I am doing my part to promote a better tomorrow,” she says. “When we sold our house, this is one of the promises my partner and I made; that we would move away from fossil fuels in ways that we could manage in our family. This Mustang Mach-E is the first step for us.”
Mustang Mach-E gravel
Staying loyal to the Ford brand, McGann’s partner owns an F-150 for his business, and the Mustang Mach-E was an easy choice for them. Deciding factors in charging forward with the Mustang Mach-E were the functionality of an SUV, available all-wheel drive (which is a must where they live) and the elevated ride height.
“People also look at the Mustang Mach-E as being a city car, but we live on a farm and travel country roads. This car handles really well on country roads.”
The range, as with the majority of EVs, was the driving factor. She decided on the 2022 extended range all-wheel drive Premium model, which can exceed 400kms on a single charge*, making it ideal for her lifestyle.
“Even in the winter months, we estimate we still get 315km of range*, which works for our family’s needs. In the summer, I can get around 450km on average*” says McGann.
Mustang Mach-E gravel
With anything new, there’s bound to be learning curves and adaptations. Here’s how McGann describes hers:
“The transition was pretty exciting. All of the new stuff we had to learn about the Mustang Mach-E has been a bit like getting a new toy that you have to figure out. As soon as we had the available Ford Connected Charge Station installed at home, we weren’t concerned about ‘having enough charge’ and we are able to coordinate our driving needs better.”
Between June and September, her job saw her put on more than 16,000 km on the Mustang Mach-E, an unusual amount but one that’s part of her lifestyle.
“We definitely look at distances between places a lot more than with our gas/diesel vehicles, but for me, I like that because it makes me more aware of how far I am traveling and what my needs are in an average day.
“We plan for our driving routes more than we used to. I don’t feel as guilty when I do have to drive, either.”
McGann solely drives the Mustang Mach-E and, for personal trips with her partner, it’s the EV that carries them. She charges it, on average, every other night at home, though in the cold months of winter she charges every night, to keep the battery warmer.
Price can be viewed as another hurdle, but McGann sees the bigger picture. “A lot of people think that you have to be rich to have an EV. But the Mustang Mach-E didn’t cost us anymore than my partner’s truck and there are loads of people who own trucks in our area.”
Overall, McGann’s EV experience has been pleasant and positive, and a perfect fit for both her environmental views and her transportation needs. In fact, she’s not done with the EV market; McGann also plans to stay in the Ford family.
“We are planning to phase them into my partner’s concrete business, in the hope that we can reduce the footprint he has on the environment, too. We’re looking at the Ford F-150 Lightning.”
Disclaimers:
* These are estimate figures based on various driver factors. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and state of health.
