Ford Mustang Mach-E Coming With Over-the-Air Updates

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a lot of things for the automaker. It's the brand's first real attempt at a modern electric vehicle, an expansion on Ford's iconic Mustang family, and proof that the American brand can keep up with fresher startups. While the Mustang Mach-E's name is controversial, what Ford is trying to do with the SUV isn't. With that being said, technology is going to be a huge part of the electric SUV.

Ushering In Wireless Updates

To ensure owners have the latest and greatest features and performance out of their Mustang Mach-E, Ford will offer the electric SUV with over-the-air updates. Apparently, the wireless updates go beyond ensuring the SUV has the latest SYNC infotainment features, but will apply to entirely new features and even performance uprades. It's all possible because the majority of computer modules in the Mustang Mach-E are capable of being updated wirelessly.

Depending on what kind of update Ford is pushing out, some will be invisible to customers. Owners will be able to select a regular time for when the vehicle updates itself – like in the middle of the night when the car's not in use – so the car can do its thing without interrupting owners. Other updates will occur "almost instantly after a customer starts their vehicle," claims the automaker. The majority of updates will take less than two minutes to complete and can be done in the background of the infotainment system, while ones that require the vehicle to remain at a stop for a lengthy period can be scheduled at a time that's more convenient for owners. Regardless of when updates occur, owners will be notified of when updates will occur.

The first set of wireless updates will occur within the first six months from when deliveries of the Mustang Mach-E begin.  

Will Other Fords Have OTA Updates?

"The beauty of the Mustang Mach-E is that what our customers experience on day one is just the beginning – it will evolve to add even more features and capabilities over time," said John Vangelov, connected services manager, Ford Motor Company. "Our clever over-the-air updates also minimize downtime through incredibly fast activation and ensure your Mustang Mach-E is always getting better, even when you're asleep."

While the Mustang Mach-E will be the first Ford to be offered with over-the-air updates, it certainly won't be the last. The automaker's latest SYNC 4 infotainment system that's set to debut on a few redesigned vehicles shortly will also have the feature. Ford hasn't stated which vehicles will come with SYNC 4 yet.

Wireless updates are still a relatively new thing for automakers. Tesla was the first automaker to introduce the technology on its lineup of electric vehicles. BMW recently incorporated the technology into a few of its vehicles. Beyond that, over-the-air updates aren't all that common place. For Ford, offering the capability on the Mustang Mach-E reveals just how high-tech the automaker wants the car to be.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods