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The Ford Mach-E is one of the best-selling and most loved electric vehicles on the market, especially since there is a trim level and set of options for everyone. With the introduction of the Mach-E Rally, Ford has given customers one of the most unique offerings around, especially in the EV space. Recently, Emme Hall from Autoblog got the opportunity to put this EV Rally car to the test at the DirtFish Rally Driving School in Snoqualmie, WA, about 30 miles outside of Seattle. What Makes a Mach-E Rally? Starting off, the Mach-E Rally gets the same dual motor 91 kWh battery as the GT trim level. The Rally has 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque with eAWD. Ford claims a 0-60 mph time of a staggering 3.4 seconds while still getting an EPA-estimated 265 miles of driving range. To make sure the Mach-E is ready for the rally course, Ford added an extra inch lift with skid plates to protect the motors that sit in both the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as a giant rear spoiler and larger 385mm front brake rotors with red Brembo calipers. Standard white 19-inch rally-style wheels are wrapped in 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season tires. There Was No Raining That Could Spoil This Fun Parade The day that Emme arrived, it was raining, and the courses were wet, muddy, and very slippery. But, before she was let loose, she was given some time on the smaller rally courses at the DirtFish Rally School to test out the various driving modes primarily meant for the street. This helped her understand the differences in the MagneRide suspension tuning, power delivery, braking, and handling performance once she switched to the RallySport mode. In the ultimate street mode, Unbridled, she noticed how hard the traction control works to keep the Mach-E settled and not get too wild. RallySport Mode After a few laps to get ready, she was taken to the larger course to really put the Rally through its paces, saying, “We move to the larger track and I select the new RallySport mode. Now I have the full shebang at my disposal. The steering gets much heftier and communicates a bit more feel into the hands. It’s easier to tell when the tires are close to the edge of grip. RallySport mode doesn’t turn off all the nannies, but traction control is definitely less heavy-handed. Oh, and there isn’t any lift-off throttle brake regeneration. I have to use the mechanical brakes to get this 5,000-pound beast to slow down before a turn.” Loads of Torque and An Amazing All-Wheel Drive System Driving harder and harder with each lap, Ms. Hall continued to grow her confidence with the Mach-E Rally and enjoyed how much power was on tap since it’s an EV with no lag in throttle response: “ RallySport mode brings the torque in much quicker, and it’s very linear. Combined with the single-speed transmission, it means that I always have power coming out of a turn. There is no shifting here, no turbo lag — just getting on the throttle quickly, squeezing out the power and letting the all-wheel-drive system claw its way around the turn. Do I induce oversteer a few times? Heck yeah, I do! But a bit of countersteering and patience keep the Mach-E from coming around all the way.” The Mach-E Can Do It All It seems pretty evident that Emme Hall and Autoblog enjoyed their time exploring the limits of the 2024 Ford Mach-E Rally. When such a fun and unique vehicle is made, it’s designed and engineered by people who truly love what they are creating. That’s exactly what makes the Mach-E Rally so brilliant. How many companies are willing to sell customers an electric rally crossover SUV? Instead of asking why, Donna Dickson, Chief Engineer, Mach-E, said, “Why not?” Why Choose Benna Ford? At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to ensure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Ford has examined people's concerns about EV vehicles and wants to alleviate as many of them as possible. Consequently, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley has announced the Ford Power Promise for Ford EV customers. Benna Ford gives you the details. Farley reflected on the full-service filling stations that populated towns across the nation.  You could stay in your car while an attendant would top off your tank for you and then go on to clean your windshield and even check your oil. Many customers were new to driving then, and he opined that the full-service stations gave motorists both convenience and peace of mind. After some long-distance EV road trips across Europe, he feels EV owners seek that same level of comfort and satisfaction. Thus, Farley has announced its Ford Power Promise, which includes the following: Complimentary home charger and standard installation with a new electric vehicle purchase or lease Expanded on-the-road charging stations and locating ability 24/7 live support with proactive charging support Confidence in the health of their battery Here are the program details: Complimentary Home Charger The ability to charge at home is a key component of EV satisfaction.  Starting each day with a full state of charge from low home residential utility rates makes EV ownership more convenient and provides significantly lower operating costs than gas vehicles.  Having started on October 1, 2024, with any purchase or lease of a Ford electric vehicle, customers are eligible to receive a complimentary Ford Station Pro home charger (Ford Charge Station Pro) and standard installation at their home. Ford is the only auto manufacturer in the U.S. offering a complimentary Ford home electric vehicle charger and standard installation. Expanded On-the-Road Charging On-the-road charging is probably the most significant impediment to the adoption of EV vehicles, so Ford is taking additional measures to improve and streamline the process for Ford EV owners.  These measures include: BlueOval™ Charge Network —Ford supports charging on the road with access to the largest public charging network in North America. The BlueOval™ Charge Network now includes access to more than 15,000 Tesla fast chargers, with more being added every week. Connected Built-in Navigation —Ford will help drivers locate public charging options through its Connected Built-In Navigation, Apple CarPlay®  EV Routing, and the soon-to-come Google Maps EV Routing via Android Auto™. FordPass® App - Customers pay for charging along their route across Ford’s BlueOval™ Charge Network through one account and one app — the FordPass® App. Ongoing Support and Guidance Ford is launching round-the-clock live support, complete with proactive charging assistance. So, even though something is unlikely to happen, customers will know we’re ready to reach out and help. There are three components to this part of the program: 24/7 Electric Vehicle Support - Customers can text a dedicated Ford advisor anytime for 24/7 electric vehicle support. Proactive Roadside Assistance -  Ford Roadside Assistance will pick customers up and bring them to the closest charging station or dealership in the case of adverse vehicle events. This includes running out of charge, no matter where they are. Easy Service Solutions —In-person advisors at Ford’s extensive dealer network will provide local support and convenient complimentary mobile service and pickup and delivery at participating dealerships. This means many service and maintenance needs can be handled from the customer’s home rather than a service location. Battery Confidence Ford is confident enough in its EV batteries to give them an eight-year / 100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty. There are many reasons to consider an EV. They are powerful, smooth, quiet, and require almost no powertrain maintenance, among other advantages.  Ford is simply sweetening the pot for the many whose lives fit EV use but are concerned about the change it involves.  With the Ford Power Promise already in place, you now have another reason to check out a Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning at Benna Ford.

When Ford introduced the F-150 Lightning, no one could believe that such a vehicle really existed. The overall design didn’t change, and there was no radical departure from its overall functionality. Customers loved how familiar they were with an F-150, only electrified. There was even a bit of a fight between Ford CEO Jim Farley and Tesla CEO Elon Musk over which company would be the first to bring its all-electric pickup truck to market. Spoiler alert: Ford won. Meet The F-150 Lightning The F-150 Lightning features dual-emotors with all-wheel drive and comes in two different flavors: a standard range and an extended range battery pack. The standard range Lightning has a 98 kWh battery that produces 452 horsepower and 755 lb-ft of torque, while the extended range models have a 131 kWh battery with 580 horsepower and 775 torque. Trims, Pricing, And Range Customers can choose from four different trim levels: XLT, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum. The base trim starts at just $65,090, with the top-line Platinum starting from $88,085. The XLT and Flash trim levels have a driving range of 240 miles, while the Lariat has 320 miles, and the Platinum can drive 300 miles. Meet The Tesla The Tesla Cybertruck is the latest hotness that everyone’s talking about. However, how does it really stack up? With such an odd and unique design, are customers able to utilize the Cybertruck as a real truck? Buyers who have recently gotten their trucks have received the Foundation series, which features a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with 600 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the Beast trim gets you a tri-motor Cybertruck with 834 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque. Towing Capacity, Range, And Price Tesla says the truck can tow a maximum of 11,000 lbs. However, there have been reports of people being frustrated when towing with the Cybertruck due to the range being exhausted very quickly. Many owners have also remarked on how easy it is to mark up the stainless steel panels. Some have stated that it isn’t a serious truck but more of a vehicle that can do light-duty truck things from time to time. The two trim levels are able to achieve 318 and 301 miles of driving range, respectively. Dual motor Cybertrucks have a base price of $99,990, while the Beast has a base MSRP of $119.900. A Tale of Two Frunks The Tesla’s bed length is slightly longer at 6 feet compared to 5’5” on the Lightning. However, because of the odd way the Cybertruck’s bed is shaped, they can both hold about the same amount of stuff. The Ford really shows how brilliant it was to turn a standard gas-powered vehicle into a dedicated EV when you get to the frunk. A space that once held an entire engine is now free to give owners 14.1 cu.ft. of space, the same space as a small or midsize sedan’s trunk. In fact, that is actually bigger than the 12.6 cu.ft. of trunk space in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Tesla only gives customers 7.1 cu.ft. A BIG Price Difference The Tesla Cybertruck can tow 1,000 lbs more, but the Ford is a lot less expensive. Without any options, the base model Tesla is nearly $35,000 more expensive than the base XLT F-150 Lightning. Even when talking about the top-of-the-line Platinum, it still is a savings of almost $12,000. Oh, and the Lightning can use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter. Edmunds Compared The Ford And The Tesla In a recent test by Edmunds.com that compared the Ford, Tesla, and the Rivian R1T, the team voted the F-150 as the best of all EV trucks and said that in the comparison, it is by far the best at being a pickup with truck usability. That’s precisely why Ben Westby chose the Lightning to own while living off the grid with his family. With 9.6 kW of Ford Pro Power Onboard, owners can easily charge lawnmower batteries, use power tools, operate a mobile business, or even just have fun tailgating with the knowledge that you can power it all from your truck and then drive home afterward. Ford Blue Cruise Doesn’t Lie Where Tesla has gotten in trouble is the marketing around FSD, or Full Self Driving. The claim that the vehicles are self-driving has proven false, and the company has had to change how it defines the feature. Ford, on the other hand, has had great success with Blue Cruise, their hands-free advanced driver assistance system. With over 130,000 miles of roads mapped around the United States, buyers who were skeptical of taking their hands off the steering wheel are now full believers. Driving in traffic and on the highway has never been easier to live with. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Now entering its third year, the Mustang Mach-E looks the same but has undergone some significant engineering improvements under the skin. In short, the 2024 Mach-E has a more extended range, charges faster, and the top performance models are even quicker than before. Benna Ford fills you in on the details. Quicker Performance Never Hurts Let’s start with the most fun part. A Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade results in a tested 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds, a speed that beats both direct competitor Tesla Model Y Performance and a less direct competitor, but we will take it anyway, the Porsche Macan 4 Electric. With this upgrade, the GT goes on for a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 114 mph. The changes come from a new in-house eMotor that will be available in 2024 on all Mach-E models, along with improved thermal modeling and control algorithms that deliver an additional 100 lb-ft of torque. The Performance upgrade is standard on the new Mach-E Rally and available on the Mach-E GT. In another example of how things are different for electric cars, Mustang Mach-E GT customers have the choice of getting the Performance Upgrade at purchase or purchasing the upgrade at a later date. The Mach-E GT also receives new standard features that were former performance options such as the Ford Performance front seats, MagneRide ® Damping System, and Brembo™ branded front brake calipers. The Mach-E Rally The Mach-E Rally joins the lineup as the first-ever rally-inspired EV from Ford. The Mach-E Rally has standard AWD, and its two motors combined with the standard Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade result in 480 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The body features a 1-inch higher suspension lift riding on gloss white 19-inch wheels.  Wrapping those wheels are 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 tires with plenty of sidewall and loose surface traction that lets you enjoy all that power on and off the pavement. Besides the wheels and lift, the Mach-E Rally distinguishes itself with unique upper and lower body moldings, a front splitter, a black steel roof, and bespoke fog lights. The color pallet is noticeable on its own with Grabber Yellow, Grabber Blue, and Eruption Green, in addition to Shadow Black and optional Star White and Glacier Gray. Thanks to the more efficient in-house motor, all 2024 Mustang Mach-E models also get improved range: Model 2024 EPA Estimated Range (miles) Improvement Mach-E Select, standard-range battery (72 kWh), RWD 250 +20 Mach-E Premium, extended-range battery (91 kWh), RWD 320 +20 Mach-E GT (91 kWh), AWD 280 +10 Mach-E Rally (91 kWh), AWD 265 n/a As important as the range, the Mustang Mach-E now charges faster. Models with the 91 kWh battery will now charge 20% faster at fast charging stations on the road. Using a Level 3 DC-direct station, the 91kWh battery can now charge from 10-80% in 36.3 minutes, an 8.8-minute improvement. Models with the 72kWh battery can charge from 10-80% in 32.3 minutes, which is a 5.7-minute improvement. For more good charging news, all Mach-E owners can reserve a complimentary adapter that enables owners access to over 15,000 Tesla superchargers across North America, which are now part of the BlueOval Charge network. These charge locations will be added to the EV routing functionality of both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Bronze Age Mach-E The Mach-E GT will have a new Bronze Appearance Package featuring 20-inch bronze-painted mesh-styled alloy wheels, a bespoke bronze mesh grille, and other bronze trim. Price Range MSRPs for the Mustang Mach-E now start at $39,995 for the select model with the standard battery and RWD, and top out with the Mach-E Rally with the extended battery, AWD, and all the goodies listed above for $59,995. If you haven’t checked out the spectacularly performing Mustang Mach-E that doubles as an SUV when needed, this is the time to do it. Visit Benna Ford and see what EV performance is all about. We have 2023 models with discounts to make way for the 2024 models that are on their way.

Most car buyers usually finance new vehicle purchases and thus have to keep an eye on interest rates if it is time for a new vehicle. That could be a problem now, as the average APR interest rate for a new truck loan is 7.01%, and that is with a Prime credit score. But not if you come to Benna Ford for Truck Month. We are offering several F-150 models with a low 1.9% APR. The offer is from Ford Motor Credit, which is providing loans with 1.9% APR for 72 months along with an available deferred payment plan that will not require the first payment until 90 days after purchase. The plan is subject to credit approval. The offer can make quite a difference. For instance, it is available on a model right in the heart of the F-150 range, such as a 2023 F-150 XLT Crew Cab 4x4. The model has an original MSRP of $62,705. The financing alone saves you $6,301. When you add multiple discounts offered by Benna, the cost of the model comes down to $54,404. As of this writing, Benna has 17 such XLT CrewCab 4x4 models to choose from with this offer. If you don’t need the second set of doors, Benna also has 27 XLT SuperCab 4x4 models with the 1.9% offer, which can amount to savings of about $6,300. You will also find 1.9% financing on multiple 2023 F-150 Roush custom trucks, where you can save $8,700 to over $9,000 on the truck of your dreams! Ford also offers a Flex Buy arrangement on several models. For example, the desirable 2024 Edge Titanium AWD model which has a normal MSRP of $45,605. With the Flex Buy plan and $5,000 down, you can finance the vehicle with a 5.9% APR, which is still better than the national Prime average. With Flex Buy, you’ll have a payment of $489.71 for 36 months. After three years, the remaining 39 payments are $674.45. You can find Flex Buy offers on several models, including the Escape, Bronco, Mustang Mach-E, and F150 models. Keep in mind that with Benna Ford, any new vehicle purchase, no matter how it is financed, will include Benna’s 20-Year, 200,000-Mile Limited Warranty. No matter how extensive the repair is after the normal factory warranty, you will only pay a $100 deductible. Forget high interest rates and visit Benna Ford first and last for your new vehicle shopping.

Ford electric vehicle customers are now eligible to get a free Tesla Supercharger adapter thanks to a visionary relationship that allows customers to take advantage of the more than 2,000 Tesla Supercharger stations with over 20,000 actual ports to charge an EV in America and Canada. A Word From Ford Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, announced the news on Twitter, saying, “When we announced Ford EVs would get access to Tesla Superchargers, I said we'd send customers a Fast Charging Adapter. I'm pleased to confirm that eligible Mustang Mach E & F150 Lightning owners in the U.S. + Canada can reserve a complimentary adapter starting soon. This is our way of saying thank you! We want to make charging more convenient for our Ford EV owners, so we're excited to add Tesla chargers and will continue growing our BlueOval Charge Network. More details soon.” A Partnership To Benefit All This partnership allows Ford EV drivers to enjoy the cars and trucks even more than they already do, knowing that there are thousands of places where they can easily charge their vehicles on the go. BlueOval Charge Network The BlueOval Charge Network from Ford was already the most extensive public charging network in the United States, with over 106,000 chargers available nationwide. Adding the ability to charge via a Tesla Supercharger makes it easier for drivers to feel more freedom when driving longer distances. NACS Charge Port The adapter will allow the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E to charge on Tesla V3 and above Superchargers. Starting in 2025, all Ford electric vehicles will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port so that customers will no longer have to get an adapter to charge their vehicles on any other charging network. Strong EV Sales For 2023, Ford announced they had record EV sales and were now the number 2 best-selling electric vehicle automaker in the United States. Each EV model line enjoyed an increase in sales, with the F-150 Lightning rising 55% compared to 2022, while the Mustang Mach-E enjoyed a modest bump of 3%, and the E-Transit work van jumped by 18%. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Bidirectional charging is the ability to draw current from your household and when needed, reverse the process and send electricity back into the home. The F-150 Lightning has always had this ability, and Ford has explained it as a potential power source in the event of a grid power outage. Ford is considering harnessing this ability to lower a household’s electricity bill. Benna Ford explains how this is possible. This past December, Ford announced they will partner with a company called Resideo Technologies. This partnership is meant to explore an energy management system that pairs the electric pickup truck's battery with a Resideo smart thermostat used to control a home's heating and cooling system, which is usually a home’s most energy-intensive system. Taking Advantage of Tiered Energy Plans The system would benefit locations with an electricity supplier with a tiered energy cost program in which the company charges more per kilowatt for peak usage periods. The peak period can often be in the late afternoon to early evening when both work and home locations draw power for climate control systems. For instance, the electricity supplier may charge more per kilowatt from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm than the rest of the day. The idea is that if an F-150 Lightning is home for the day during all or part of this time, it can supply electricity for the climate system during the peak period and draw from it during non-peak hours. Homes with solar can further benefit from vehicle charging while the electricity is essentially free and then having the vehicle supply power during the peak period after sundown. The value of this ability would depend greatly on the habits of individual households and the timing of their use of their EV and climate control system. If used on a widespread basis, such a system could even reduce strain on the grid during these peak periods, theoretically to the point where there are no longer peak usage periods. Year-Long International Feasibility Study Ford will explore the potential for this capability through the 2024 calendar year. Part of the program involves collaborating with Volkswagen to test the system on an entire housing estate in Sweden. Volkswagen presently sells no bidirectional capable models in the United States. If the program yields positive results, and Ford thinks the results can apply to the United States, they will likely expand bidirectional charging to the Mustang Mach-E and future EVs. When the time comes, Benna Ford will be sure to have information on how you could benefit from the idea. In the meantime, the F-150 Lightning, Kelley Blue Book’s winner for Electric Truck Best Buy, and fully bidirectional charging capability are available at Benna Ford right now. See how the EV pickup truck could fit into and benefit your life.

Benna Ford is pleased to announce that Car and Driver placed the Ford Maverick on its 10Best list for trucks and SUVs. In describing their decision, the publication took more than one swipe at the “bigger is better” ethos regarding pickup trucks for the last several years. As they put it: “ This upsizing in the name of payload and towing one-upmanship has created a vacuum at the bottom, a white space in the product landscape that the Ford Maverick slides into neatly.” Crossover Platform The Maverick, of course, represents more than just a smaller pickup truck. It has a car-like unibody construction and is built from a front-wheel-drive platform. Specifically, it rides on the same platform as the Escape and Bronco Sport. While this may seem like heresy in the truck world, Car and Driver points out that there is no shortage of people driving crossovers with the same characteristics, and they like them just fine. Some of them would simply like not to have the cargo hold confined to an enclosed space. Of course, the reason why the automotive world outside of trucks and large truck-based SUVs has this configuration is for a smoother ride, lighter weight, and better fuel economy.  The Maverick is for people who don’t want to give up the comfort of a crossover ride just because they occasionally put a couple of mountain bikes or a washing machine in the back. Hybrid Power Of course, unibody construction is not the only unique Maverick feature. A hybrid drivetrain is a major upgrade to the Maverick lineup. This is not unique among trucks anymore, but the Maverick’s hybrid drivetrain stands out for its dedication to efficiency rather than overt power enhancement. The system involves a 162 hp 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with two AC motors for a combined 191 horsepower. As is often the case with hybrids, this powertrain is combined with a continuously variable transmission. The result is the Maverick hybrid’s outstanding 37 combined EPA estimated mpg, with it also being rated at 42 in the city and 33 on the highway. No other pickup comes close to those figures. EcoBoost Power Neither the engine nor motors power the rear wheels, however, so the hybrid Maverick is strictly FWD. For AWD, or just more power, there is the EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The power is managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. With front-wheel drive, the engine produces a still respectable EPA city / highway / combined mpg estimate of 23 / 30 / 26. AWD models drop each figure down by one mpg. When properly equipped, an EcoBoost-powered Maverick with AWD can tow up to 4,000 pounds, which is about 500 pounds more than most crossovers of its size. Car and Driver’s description doesn’t even mention affordability, but it is hard to ignore when the MSRP starts at $23,815  for an EcoBoost FWD model. The hybrid drivetrain, which is available on all three (XL, XLT, Lariat) trim levels, starts at $25,315. For a great many households, the Maverick is all the pickup truck they need, making it a top purchase for the occasional haul but still a comfortable ride. If Car and Drive r’s 10Best Maverick sounds like it may work for you, stop by Benna Ford for a close look and a test drive.

Benna Ford is happy to announce that Ford Motor Company has reached an agreement with Tesla Motors that will give Ford electric vehicle customers access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada starting in the Spring of 2024.  This more than doubles the number of fast chargers available to Ford EV customers.  For Ford electric vehicle owners in the Benna Ford area, this gives access to four Tesla superchargers in Wisconsin and over a dozen and a half in central and eastern Minnesota. “This is great news for our customers who will have unprecedented access to the largest network of fast-chargers in the U.S. and Canada with 12,000+ Tesla Superchargers plus 10,000+ fast-chargers already in the BlueOval Charge Network,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Widespread access to fast-charging is absolutely vital to our growth as an EV brand, and this breakthrough agreement comes as we are ramping up production of our popular Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, and preparing to launch a series of next-generation EVs starting in 2025.” Added Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s senior director of charging infrastructure: “We’ve spent the last 10 years building an industry-leading Charging Network that enables freedom to travel and provides charging confidence for our Tesla owners. We’re excited to deliver on our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by welcoming Ford owners, and other electric vehicles who adopt NACS, to our thousands of Superchargers across North America.” An Adapter Will Enable the Connection A Mustang Mach-E at at Tesla charging station. Current Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit owners will be able to use the Tesla chargers with an adapter fitting between the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector and the Combined Charging System (CCS) port. Starting in 2025, Ford battery electric vehicles will be equipped with the NACS charge port, removing the need for an adapter. “Tesla has led the industry in creating a large, reliable, and efficient charging system and we are pleased to be able to join forces in a way that benefits customers and overall EV adoption,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e. “The Tesla Supercharger network has excellent reliability and the NACS plug is smaller and lighter.  Overall, this provides a superior experience for customers.” The Nation’s Largest Fast-Charging Network With over 84,000 chargers, including over 10,000 public DC fast-chargers, the BlueOval Charge Network is already North America’s largest public charging network. The addition of more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers creates the single largest integrated fast-charge network across the U.S. and Canada. As with the BlueOval network, customers will be able to pay at the Tesla Superchargers with activation and payment via FordPass or Ford Pro Intelligence. Ford dealers are also adding roughly 1,800 public-facing fast-chargers and locations to the BlueOval Charge Network by mid-2024. This provides an even more compelling reason to visit Benna Ford and test drive a Ford electric vehicle like the capable Ford F-150 Lightning, thrilling Mustang Mach-E, and efficient E-Transit.

The automotive industry is always changing as manufacturers aim to innovate and meet increasing consumer demands. Benna Ford was recently informed that orders are re-opening for the Mach-E electric SUV. This move comes with some compelling upgrades, such as an increased EPA estimated range, improved hands-free technology, and more attractive pricing options. Setting the Tone in the EV Industry The Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that has been generating a lot of buzz since its release. While its exterior design has been praised for its sleek and modern look, it's the interior highlights and upgrades under the hood that are truly impressive. Let's take a closer look at these developments and see why the Mustang Mach-E remains a frontrunner in the electric vehicle market. Longer EPA Estimated Range: Ford has made significant improvements to the Mustang Mach-E's driving range. The company has made strides in battery technology, enabling the Mach-E to cover more ground on a single charge. This extended range allows drivers to take longer journeys confidently without the need for frequent charging stops. Ford's dedication to providing a reliable and practical electric vehicle experience is evident in its focus on increasing the EPA estimated range. Improved Technology: The Mach-E has advanced hands-free technology powered by Ford's Co-Pilot360™. Ford's Co-Pilot360™ Technology is a collection of intelligent driver-assist features. One of these features is the latest hands-free driving system called BlueCruise. With BlueCruise, drivers can navigate compatible sections of pre-mapped highways hands-free. This makes long-distance drives more enjoyable and reduces driver fatigue. Therefore, Ford is setting a new standard for convenience and safety in the EV market. Lower pricing: Ford is introducing lower pricing options for the Mach-E, in addition to the enhanced range and hands-free technology. The aim is to make electric mobility accessible to a broader range of consumers. This pricing strategy demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and recognition of the growing demand for electric vehicles at various price points. The Mach-E features an enticing combination of features and competitive pricing. As a result, Ford is positioning itself as a strong contender in the EV market. With more affordable configurations, the Mach-E is set to appeal to a wider range of consumers. Ford's commitment to sustainability and affordability shows its determination to make a difference in the electric vehicle market. Leading From the Front Ford's decision to reopen orders for the Mach-E and introduce notable upgrades further solidifies its leading position in the electric vehicle industry. The enhanced EPA estimated range, advanced hands-free technology, and lower pricing options reflect Ford's commitment to providing an exceptional electric driving experience that meets the needs and desires of modern consumers. As the world transitions toward a more sustainable future, Ford is making electric mobility more accessible and attractive. The Mustang Mach-E not only offers impressive performance and convenience but also contributes to reducing our carbon footprint. With Ford's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries, the Mach-E is poised to make a lasting impact and redefine the way we think about electric vehicles. If you're in the market for an electric vehicle that combines cutting-edge technology, extended range, and affordability, Benna Ford is ready to help you take home your new Mustang Mach-E. Come on down to Benna Ford. Our friendly and helpful staff is ready to assist you with anything you need and answer any questions you may have.

Since 2001 Ford have had a hit on their hands. The Ford Escape has been one of the best selling crossover vehicles of all time. Now for 2023, Ford step up the performance and capabilities for you, the buyer and owner of these vehicles. With a tweak of the styling and naming structure, the 2023 Escape is available in a new trim model naming structure. You’ll be able to option your Escape in Base, Active, Platinum, PHEV, and, for the first time on an Escape, the ST-Line. Sporty Looking, Sporty Acting Following in the footsteps of its bigger siblings, the Edge and Explorer, the Escape gets its own ST model featured over three different trim levels to allow everyone to partake in a sportier vehicle. ST-Line trim offers a 1.5-liter EcoBoost Inline-3 with 180 horsepower with either front or all-wheel drive in its base form. Stepping up to the ST-Line Select or Elite gets you standard all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost Inline-4 putting out 250 horsepower. All ST-Line trim can be optioned as a Hybrid, too. More Hybrids Fewer Fuel Stops The Escape was the first-ever mass-produced Hybrid crossover when it debuted in 2005. Now, Ford will give you two Hybrid options, a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle Inline-4 producing a combined 192 horsepower or a Plug-In (PHEV) version that makes a combined 210 horsepower. The PHEV Escape can travel about 37 miles of electric-only driving. Ford claims that the gas EcoBoost models can achieve up to about 400 miles of range, but the Hybrid models can go for 550 miles. More Advanced Technology The 2023 Ford Escape comes with the new Sync 4, with voice recognition to allow you to ask Sync to search for restaurants, gas stations, and charging stations or even just change the climate control in your car. Sync also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen for the Base model, and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen displays for all other Escape models. On all models, the gauge cluster is the beautiful 8-inch screen that allows you to change various settings and gauges, and the Active and Platinum trim levels allow you to option a 12.3-inch gauge cluster display. Optional is Ford CoPilot 360, which now adds Intersection Assist 2.0. This feature will help drivers avoid potential accidents with pedestrians around town when you are making left and right turns. Blind Spot Assist will do more than just alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, but will actually display a warning in your side mirror and “nudge” the steering wheel for you if you ignore other blind spot warnings. Couple all of that with standard Alexa hands-free, which allows you to control your phone through Amazon Alexa. You can make phone calls, send text messages, get directions, etc., all by using your voice. Value For Many Budgets The 2023 Ford Escape is available now to special order and buy with a starting price for the Base of $28,000, going up to $40,500 for the PHEV model. Contact us today to arrange a test drive. If you are already a proud owner of a Ford Escape and are need of maintenance, schedule an appointment today, or find out your trade in value to get a new 2023 Ford Escape for your driveway!

It’s no secret: hybrid and electric vehicles are set to take over the automotive world. More manufacturers like Ford are making the switch and dedicating themselves to a fully electric future within the next several years. But did you ever wonder how electric vehicles got their start? The reality is that they’ve been around for a lot longer than you’d think. Past, Present, and Future Although the past 20+ years have seen a huge surge of electric vehicles, they actually came onto the almost 200 years ago. The early to mid-1800s were the scene of a huge boom in technology and development, and as people looked for new ways to travel conveniently, they saw an opportunity in the invention of the battery. There were several drawbacks, though. For example, batteries in the first electric vehicles were single-use and disposable, and their range was highly impractical. On top of that, early EV speeds topped out under 15 MPH. However, that didn’t stop inventors from trying. Rechargeable batteries came along, but even those could only make it 50 or so miles before requiring another charge. Once the combustion engine was invented and saw mass distribution by the Ford Motor Company, electric vehicles fell by the wayside. Ford’s cars were affordable, practical, and convenient compared to their electric counterparts, and the combustion engine took over. The oil crisis of the 1970s made people look more critically at our fuel consumption, but most attempts at marketing EVs still failed. That is until the late 1990s when the Prius came onto the scene. Finally, electric vehicles became a possibility as drivers saw the convenience of a hybrid engine. Recent developments are happening quickly, with different automakers pledging an electric revolution to fight the climate crisis and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Today, there are more options than many ever thought possible. There are traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles all across the country, and car makers’ investments are paying off. Options range from affordable family vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid to capable trucks, including the Maverick and F-150 Lightning. Even businesses are getting in on it with the availability of the E-Transit Van, saving them money while reducing emissions. This year alone, Ford is adding more electric vehicles to its lineup with plans to go all-electric within the next few years. They’ve also invested billions in bringing EV battery production to the US, creating jobs while impacting the environment. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="411,412"] Find Your Ford EV at Benna Ford Want to get a head start on the electric future? Find your next hybrid or electric vehicle at Benna Ford! New models are arriving, so keep an eye on our inventory and contact us if you see something you’re interested in.