Ford has struggled with recent perception that it’s
not previewing enough future products through concept cars and technical
innovation. Arguably, too much emphasis has been put on mobility and
connectivity, with very little about the vehicles themselves.
Fortunately for blue oval fans and shareholders,
there was a glimmer of hope at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year; with
brief teasers for Baby Bronco, Mustang GT500 and most importantly, an electric
SUV tentatively-named Mach 1.
This
study introduces a new ‘masked’ front fascia, which incorporates an imposing
trapezoidal grille flanked by glossy-black surrounds and dominant C-shaped LED
lighting – feel free to call them “lobster claws” for the front end. In taking
a leaf out of Jaguar’s design book, the grille redistributes air up and through
the hood for improved aerodynamics.
Frameless windows give the greenhouse a sleeker
appearance, whilst the roof follows the current two-tone black on body color
trend other manufacturers are exploiting. Sheet metal-surfacing is crisp and
technical in execution, whilst still being an evolution of Ford’s previous
Kinetic design DNA.
What we do know is that the range needs to be
significantly higher than what most current BEV’s offer. Shifting to solid
state battery technology could be the magic bullet in terms of rapid charging
times, performance, range and thermal safety benefits, however there are still
some commercial viability obstacles to overcome before that technology becomes
widespread.
By the time 2020 arrives, there’ll be a plethora of
electrified SUV offerings from rivals like Tesla, Hyundai, Volkswagen and
General Motors to name a few. South Korean heavyweight Hyundai already offers
the Kona EV with a range of 250 miles, and Volkswagen’s I.D. Crozz is tipped
hit the market in 2020 with 300-plus horsepower and a 300 mile range. In terms
of luxury alternatives, Jaguar already offers the iPace EV and BMW,
Mercedes-Benz and Audi will also have their electrified compact SUV’s to market
by 2020.
Hopefully Ford’s EV SUV will be previewed in
conceptual form within the next 12 months – and if so, expect that to debut at
a major auto show.
