Wake up daily to our latest coverage of business done better, directly in your inbox.
Get your weekly dose of analysis on rising corporate activism.
The best of solutions journalism in the sustainability space, published monthly.
Select Newsletter
By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. You can opt out anytime.
Look at What Consumer Reports Named as Its Top EV Pick
Whatever one may think of Tesla and its controversial CEO, the brand certainly set the bar high in the EV (electric vehicle) space. While Tesla continued to roll out sleek cars that won itself a dedicated fan base, automakers here in the U.S. and abroad were forced to play catch-up. In 2021 alone, it wasn’t even close: Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 were the two best-selling EVs, with the rest of the top 10 sellers not coming anywhere close.
2022 could very well be a repeat of what is less of a race and more of a blowout when it comes to Tesla’s leadership on the EV front, but evidence does suggest the other auto manufacturers are gaining some ground.
One example of a shift is this week’s Consumer Reports announcement of its top picks in the automotive category. While the Model 3 still scores high marks from the venerable consumer ratings organization, this year the popular EV isn’t wearing the crown. For 2022, Consumer Reports’ automobile raters has given the Ford Mustang Mach-E its top overall EV score.
The big difference? Consumer Reports praised the Mach-E for its safety features, notably the systems Ford has included within the Mach-E to boost its overall safety. Ford scored points for its EV’s active driving assistance technology, which warns drivers when their attention isn’t entirely on the road — such as when someone looks at their cell phone or glances away for any other reasons. The Mach-E also won rave reviews for its design, ease of use, reliability and quiet ride.
“Make no mistake, the Model 3 is still a great choice, and Consumer Reports recommends it. It shines with the latest technology, a long range, an impressive charging network, and a driving experience closer to a high-performance sports car than a sedan,” wrote Jeff S. Bartlett. “But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with.”
Last fall, TriplePundit predicted that the Mach-E could take on Tesla, notably the latter’s crossover, the Model Y. “… while Tesla has set the industry standard for premium EVs, Ford appears to have stepped up in providing what buyers in this segment have come to expect,” 3p’s Phil Covington wrote in November 2021.
With this news from Consumer Reports, Ford’s multi-billion investment in shifting toward a product line that leads with EVs is so far appearing to be a solid bet.
Image credit: Ford Media Relations
Leon Kaye has written for 3p since 2010 and become executive editor in 2018. His previous work includes writing for the Guardian as well as other online and print publications. In addition, he's worked in sales executive roles within technology and financial research companies, as well as for a public relations firm, for which he consulted with one of the globe’s leading sustainability initiatives. Currently living in Central California, he’s traveled to 70-plus countries and has lived and worked in South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
Leon’s an alum of Fresno State, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Southern California's Marshall Business School. He enjoys traveling abroad as well as exploring California’s Central Coast and the Sierra Nevadas.
