Tesla vs Ford: Which One Can go 250 Miles?

Tesla's Model Y has an impressive EPA range estimate of 326 miles the comparable trim of Ford's newest EV comes in at 270, but which one can actually complete a 246 mile road trip? Two EVs started the journey but only one finished without charging...

[aliendroneservices]

14:45
Model Y (LR DM): 234 miles (EPA 326)
Mach E (ER DM): 268 miles (EPA 270)

Corrected after video publication:
Model Y (LR DM): 244 miles
Mach E (ER DM): 274 miles

[m-user-]

Summary: Model-Y = 244 miles vs. Mach-E =274 miles, based on Alex's update below..WOW... Another reason why EPA rating system is a joke. Thanks Alex, great test.

[aditable]

Range
Model Y : 234 miles
Ford : 268 miles

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

Note: Apparently my math was garbled. The SuperCharger stop was at mile 234 of a 246 mile journey. The Tesla said it had 10 miles remaining, so it would have done 244 in theory. At mile 234 the Mach E said 40 miles remaining giving it a total of 274 miles.

Note: Despite the 1851 foot climb, the Model Y averaged **lower consumption** on that leg of the journey than it was averaging on the highway with speeds between 72-75 depending on the speed limit. Meaning the range would have been shorter if we had stuck to US-101 there and back because the speeds would have been higher. All in, the Model Y was about 20% more efficient meaning it'll cost you less at home to "fill".

[emed]

“ Don’t stop, don’t don’t don’t don’t” the song is now stuck in my head.

[Ethans]

This is why real world testing is important. Thank you Alex. Elon has always been, to put it kindly, optimistic when it came to schedules, ranges, and glass toughness.

[kfizz]

This is the PERFECT way to compare range tests apples to apples!

[gregkramer]

I have been waiting for this! Thanks Alex!

[davidmccarthy]

The Ford should get even better once they improve their efficiency and/or get more battery data and shrink the buffers more.

[johnkim]

Calculating range on EV is like a box of chocolate.

[MaxPower-]

If Ford wants an advertising coup it should publish two mileage figures for the Mach-E... “real miles’ and “Tesla miles”... you know, so that people can compare the two vehicles.

[misaelamador]

My lease is up in April for my Chevy Bolt. This batch of videos comparing EVs are really helping me make my next EV lease/purchase. Thanks Alex!

[InvestBetter.]

So, in effect, the Mach-E has 20% more battery and has 10% more real world range
Sounds like a good value buy, with the tax rebate
The Tesla will counter with faster charging and better performance
Looks like you can't go wrong either way.

[VS]

My friend Alex. You were already the benchmark for car reviews. But now you have solidified as thee benchmark for EV reviews.

[NOV]

Please remember that the EPA tests to full battery depletion (car stops or at least can't keep required speed anymore). In a recent Carwow test a Model 3 went more than 12 miles below indicated zero (as did a Polestar 2).
Testing the Mach-E until it really stops would be interesting as well Alex!

[rkgsd]

People always think of the crazy freeway systems in California along the coast not realizing there are plenty of long stretches of nice backroads like these.

[AustinFerguson]

The couple range tests my buddy and I have done his 2021 model Y long range with 19" have netted us a 265 and 272 total miles driven. We also pushed the car to like 2-3%, average speed 71 mph, temperature outside was 52-60F. That was the best we could do. His best WH/MI was 247, highest we seen was 260, most averaged out was 252. So Alex's test is pretty spot on considering a tire size and possible grade differences (we didn't have the 1800ft hill climb, most elevation change was 150ft at best). I think the thing that gets undersold honestly regardless of EPA target misses is the gap difference in efficiency and battery pack size. Ford is doing this EPA figure with a massively larger battery pack / more weight due to this. I would almost wonder on the smaller battery mustang if it would beat the EPA cycle since it would technically weigh less than the bigger one. The other interesting thing will be the Model 3/Y gaining the bump to 82kwh packs at some point (either the packs are in cars now and its software blocked, or its in pipe line) this will most likely bring the parity closer to the EPA cycle on the right conditions, but I still don't think it will hit it.

[anthonycbrown]

Once Ford gets comfortable with the battery health of the Mach-E, a software update may give the owner a greater percentage of the full battery. I don't think most shoppers buy BEVs based on extremes (look, range, efficiency, etc.) as familiar looks, comfort, and utility are important purchase criteria as well. Thanks Ford for bringing the right BEV horse to the rodeo.

[lespaulranger]

Alex one note of clarification: both cars actually do the 2 cycle EPA test, but Ford takes at least the 70% reduction from the consumption figures if not voluntarily more. Tesla doesn't take the 70% reduction, but then runs an additional 5 cycle test to get about a 75% reduction with the latest 2021 models. Then they do something much more duplicitous. Remember when Tesla "unlocked" more range from 2018 310 miles to 2019 334 miles for the LR model 3? That's because the 2018 models were calculated with the .7 voluntary reduction, but then in 2019 they underwent the 5 cycle test instead, so they were able to "update" 2019 models and give them "more range". What they really did was make the "rated consumption multiplier" lower. You can look at all of this info on Tesla Motor Club. It is quite the rabbit hole, but conclusion is Tesla is pulling our legs.

[Tully]

Great comparison with surprising results. Thanks Alex.