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Those after delivery *and* drove an EV before, what's missing or could be improved?

sotek2345

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While there's hope since many of these issues/improvements can be fixed with software, has Ford actually made updates to the software since the MME launched over a year ago? If not, it seems like foreshadowing of stagnation at a very early part of the vehicle's lifecycle.
Mach-e updates have been few and far between, and also dependent on build date. We have a Mach-e GT built in November 2021 (delivered Dec 31, 2021). We just got our first OTA update which did not add any features or functionality and has a known bug (to be fixed by another OTA still pending). We only got this one because it is needed to support the recall OTA that Ford is rolling out for the high voltage battery contactor issues.

Ford has been shaking things up, including hiring an executive from Apple, but so far I have been very underwhelmed by software updates.
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Maquis

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Yes and we are going to have to learn those settings, and for safety buy a Waggle temp sensor.

Can it be done? Yes. But totally different. One is a set of settings you have to remember and you have 0 ability to check on it. The other is one button, leaves a message on screen, alerts you if it fails, and allows for spot checks easily of both it being on and the actual car temp. It's a huge piece of mind for us.
I understand that it’s not the same, but there is no “set of settings”. You just don’t shut off the truck, lock it, and walk away.
 

GDN

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While there's hope since many of these issues/improvements can be fixed with software, has Ford actually made updates to the software since the MME launched over a year ago? If not, it seems like foreshadowing of stagnation at a very early part of the vehicle's lifecycle.
There are reports of a few SW updates, but it is nothing like we are used to and expect from Tesla.

This is where I keep kind of ragging on Farley in my posts. He is on record - wants to be nimble, wants to compete with Tesla. So, anybody can put the vehicle together and get it to roll down the road- many have proven it. However, with an EV there are two new areas that must be addressed - Software updates/innovation and Charging networks. I don't have to say another word about how far behind Ford is in those areas with no visible plans to change that.
 

beatle

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I hope Ford doesn't underestimate the effect that these frequently used systems have on the owner's experience. You look at / interact with them every time you use the vehicle - sometimes even more frequently than that. It's like crippling a sports car with the cheapest round donuts you can fit on the wheels.

Charging networks is a whole other beast. Maybe the non-Tesla EV automakers need to form a coalition to build out (and maintain) a robust charging network, or at least partner/invest with the existing charging companies to speed up deployment and improve reliability. Their future EV sales depend on it.
 

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@FlasherZ great thread and we knew the differences of opinion would come. I agree with most of the missing items. One I didn’t see was sentry mode ( a lot of long comments so I may have missed it). So many great cameras, why not utilize them better.

I’m hopeful for app improvements or better yet open up the environment and get competing apps.

Also, I see complaints about having a shifter. I prefer it over the stalk in my MYP. I hate stalks (unless it’s a column shift 🤣), knobs or buttons for transmission (ok, I know it’s not, but can we just call it that). I also realize that this is just my preference.
 

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rlbussard

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I think we need a dedicated forum to
Exactly. Normally I am not a negative Nancy, and is it refreshing to not be in a Tesla forum. I thought I was going to get flamed out by posting something like this! Over there I would be called a liar, short seller, and a whole other list of things for valid complaints...

And that's the funny part here, I don't think anything I said, except power charge port door, wireless charger, and range disappoint can't be fixed in software. And range disappointment was me getting my hopes up, but objectively, its right in line with what I thought it would be, but not what I hoped :).

I think my post was pretty much all missing things that can be easily rectified and really helpful in transitioning to Ford EVs.

And boy do I hope they listen because in my opinion, Ford can be a very close #2 to Tesla, they just need to figure out how to break from their "legacy" mindset for software. The hardware is good (except 5w wireless charging, that's some giant, steaming, horsepoop).
I wish they had a delete option for the worst wireless charger that I've ever seen. That compartment is more of a storage area now. I'm not sure, but if using wireless Android auto/carplay, I don't think that charger could even keep up very well.
 

rlbussard

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@FlasherZ great thread and we knew the differences of opinion would come. I agree with most of the missing items. One I didn’t see was sentry mode ( a lot of long comments so I may have missed it). So many great cameras, why not utilize them better.

I’m hopeful for app improvements or better yet open up the environment and get competing apps.

Also, I see complaints about having a shifter. I prefer it over the stalk in my MYP. I hate stalks (unless it’s a column shift 🤣), knobs or buttons for transmission (ok, I know it’s not, but can we just call it that). I also realize that this is just my preference.
The reason that the cameras aren't used for sentry mode ties the manufacturer of the cameras. Apparently they have some kind of contract with the camera manufacturer and they won't let them be used in sentry mode. I read an article about this last year, but I don't remember exactly all the specifics.
 

Theo1000

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Need SoC on main screen.

Need free wheel cruise option without switching to neutral.

List battery and coolant temperature not just a sliding scale.

Ford need to lower the height of the radio antennae stalk. It is 7'-2" and strikes the garage door on all my properties since they all have 7' garage doors. Just feels wrong.

Blue cruise ping ponging in low sun. I'm pleasantly surprised on how good blue cruise is. I use it almost all the time now on freeways.
 
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FlasherZ

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The reason that the cameras aren't used for sentry mode ties the manufacturer of the cameras. Apparently they have some kind of contract with the camera manufacturer and they won't let them be used in sentry mode. I read an article about this last year, but I don't remember exactly all the specifics.
I think I read the same article... reportedly, they want to create a security subscription offering so they can charge you per-month for having the service.

Ford need to lower the height of the radio antennae stalk. It is 7'-2" and strikes the garage door on all my properties since they all have 7' garage doors. Just feels wrong.
I planned to buy an aftermarket, shorter antenna for this same reason. Driving into and out of my garage, "thud-ud-ud-ud-ud" each time.
 

rlbussard

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I think I read the same article... reportedly, they want to create a security subscription offering so they can charge you per-month for having the service.
Unfortunately, that's the way things are moving forward these days .I would only pay a subscription if it's like a few dollars a month. I live out in the country and would normally only need it when I go into the city.
 

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sotek2345

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I think we need a dedicated forum to

I wish they had a delete option for the worst wireless charger that I've ever seen. That compartment is more of a storage area now. I'm not sure, but if using wireless Android auto/carplay, I don't think that charger could even keep up very well.
Assuming it is the same unit from the Mach-e, it doesn't come close to covering Android Auto usage. I still lose 10% to 20% per hour. Plus it overheats like crazy. If I plan on using AA for a longer trip, I just plug in.
 
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FordLightningMan

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Unfortunately, that's the way things are moving forward these days .I would only pay a subscription if it's like a few dollars a month. I live out in the country and would normally only need it when I go into the city.
My Tesla just got hit by a shopping cart two days ago, the store is giving me $500 based on my sentry mode footage. It doesn't cover all the damage, but before I showed the video, I was told they wouldn't do anything. Sentry mode is a great feature and one I'll miss dearly.

When I tell people about how many new features the Tesla added since I bought it, they really are amazed. With the Lightning, it's going to take some getting used to knowing issues will remain issues for the life of the vehicle. Yes, maybe some OTA will fix all the things in this thread, but my guess is outside of any recall issues nothing will happen. Ford is not Tesla, this is one area where that's a bad thing. I hope Ford proves me wrong, but I'd rather have low expectations than be disappointed.
 

daveross1212

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I'll add some perspective here that is a little different. I've owned a 1st gen Nissan leaf, and more recently PHEV Mitsubishi and BMW. Overall the F150L is on par with those EV experiences - yes the app sucks, yes a lot more configurability would be great... but for how I use an EV, it definitely works as expected. I drive it like a normal car. I come home, I put it on the charger, and the next day I drive it again. It tells me clearly how much battery I have left - but w/ 300 mile range I will likely never see the bottom 25% of the battery.

I also agree some of the UX of the infotainment/climate control needs work, and BlueCruise is very vague in terms which mode it is in (which gives me pause as to whether to use it consistently).
 

GDN

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My Tesla just got hit by a shopping cart two days ago, the store is giving me $500 based on my sentry mode footage. It doesn't cover all the damage, but before I showed the video, I was told they wouldn't do anything. Sentry mode is a great feature and one I'll miss dearly.

When I tell people about how many new features the Tesla added since I bought it, they really are amazed. With the Lightning, it's going to take some getting used to knowing issues will remain issues for the life of the vehicle. Yes, maybe some OTA will fix all the things in this thread, but my guess is outside of any recall issues nothing will happen. Ford is not Tesla, this is one area where that's a bad thing. I hope Ford proves me wrong, but I'd rather have low expectations than be disappointed.
If you've followed the ICE sister forum you'll know that Ford actually does fix some things in some of the sub modules of the truck, but they won't ever push them or install them (many trucks never get fixed SW for a module). Many guys over there have invested in special cables at $200 and then spend $50 for a two day license to be able to tap into their computer and install the updates themselves. This was required just to get their BlueCruise working that Ford had promised. However, Ford bricked the update routine and couldn't push OTA updates. It is a nightmare getting it all going again.

I don't know if that process had a major overhaul, but Ford had said a million times they'll update. The MachE has had a couple and we should have one soon for TPMS if it didn't get done before delivery. We will see if Ford can just get the basics.

If not - please know I didn't cancel either of my Cybertruck reservations and I don't care how ugly it is, if they innovate and deliver more and fix what is wrong, I'll press the order button as quickly as I did Ford's.
 

YankeeCP

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Charge port on both sides. Not sure if any EV offers this or practicality or cost to have both. But would be a cool feature/option to have on the bigger truck design that might need to be utilized based on parking and charger connection set up
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