Snow Mode ASAP!?!

[yed19]

Just throwing this out there for the Ford Reps that may be monitoring and maybe any mach-e owners...

I am slightly concerned that there is no Snow Mode for the Lightning. The amount of torque even in 'Normal' mode seems that it will probably be a issue when that slight torque is needed. While I have not tested it, I know they have. Maybe it's not needed, but it seems that there should be a designated mode. Any answers from the Mach-E owners crowd on what they have and how traction control works for them? As we are getting closer to winter, I can imagine that this is needed sooner rather than later. Any news or aspects to alleviate concern?

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[FlasherZ]

When you refer to "snow mode", what are you speaking of? Acceleration? Regen? Both?

In my 2018 Model S, I found that with traction control, the acceleration mode wasn't an issue as the car will modulate it using computers. I did find that I had to turn regen braking down so that the car didn't lock up the tires with 1-pedal driving.

But all those settings are available to you now... in heavy or slushy snow, leave traction control on, reduce regen braking effect, and turn off 1-pedal driving.

 

[sotek2345]

Just throwing this out there for the Ford Reps that may be monitoring and maybe any mach-e owners...

I am slightly concerned that there is no Snow Mode for the Lightning. The amount of torque even in 'Normal' mode seems that it will probably be a issue when that slight torque is needed. While I have not tested it, I know they have. Maybe it's not needed, but it seems that there should be a designated mode. Any answers from the Mach-E owners crowd on what they have and how traction control works for them? As we are getting closer to winter, I can imagine that this is needed sooner rather than later. Any news or aspects to alleviate concern?

I was very pleasantly surprised at how capable and confidence inspiring our Mach-e GT (so also high HP/Torque) was in the snow this last winter. I was fully prepared to put some all climate or dedicated snow tires on it, but the factory all seasons, combined with a great stability/traction control system made it perform well beyond my expectations. For comparison, I found the Mach-e more sure footed and confident in light snow (say up to ~4") than my Raptor. No issue climbing up and in our of this spot (notice the level difference on the rear tires.

EV drivetrains give the software the potential for my better control than they have in ICE vehicles.

 

[yed19]

I am referring to "Snow mode" akin to the snow modes in ICE vehicles. I am coming from a Land Rover and in that instance the acceleration and braking is adjusted as to not have the wheels slip... I.e. It has finer control on the brakes and gas pedals it seems. Given the ability to control certain aspects of the driving on my Lightning, I can turn off 1 pedal and locking differential... but that't it. No turning down regenerative braking or turning up traction control. I assume there would be differences in those aspects between sport and normal mode. But it seems to me that a snow mode would be pretty simple to add into the options. Land Rovers for example have a Normal, Snow, Ruts, Sand, and Off-Road modes. I mean, I will find out soon enough I guess...

 

[Maquis]

A well designed / programmed traction control system shouldn’t need different modes. It should just work.

 

[yed19]

A well designed / programmed traction control system shouldn’t need different modes. It should just work.

SO I get what you're saying, but given that there are other modes for different scenarios where acceleration, braking, other features being disabled (off-road), etc... a Snow mode I believe is probably warranted. For example, understanding which wheels are slipping (like it does in my RR Sport) is helpful when driving slowly on steeper icy roads or if they are slipping at all. Does that happen in normal mode? LIke I said, I will probably find out all the answers to my questions soon enough but a dedicated snow mode with some additional informational features would be nice.

On a side note, I am especially eager to learn how this thing drives on icy roads. WIth the center of gravity being so low, all-wheel drive, and the independent rear suspension, I am expecting equal to or better than an ICE SUV, but the only concern is that initial torque being so high. Sounds like the Mach-E does not have those issue though so signs are pointing in the right direction.

 

[FlasherZ]

I just haven't had those issues, even with a Model X P100D stuck in ludicrous mode. I think you'll be fine. As I mentioned, I do cut the regen braking, so that there is less likelihood of it locking the wheels on super-slick surfaces - but in the Ford you can do one better and turn off 1-pedal.

 

[Bandit216]

Having driven my Mach E AWD here in Alaska for 18 months, I've found these steps result in much safer driving on our 6 months of ice- and snow-covered roads:

1. Turn off 1 pedal driving
2. Use only the Normal (not Performance) driving mode
3. Replace the factory all-season or performance tires with winter tires.
4. Don't drive like an idiot

I will be using the same options for my recently received Lightning. I'm not sure a special snow mode would add much since you can select steps 1 and 2 once, at first snowfall, then not change them for the entire winter.

I've seen lots of Mach E forum posts about how they use one-pedal, select more aggressive drive modes, or drive on the factory tires without issue. Those posts usually come from locations with only a few limited winter storms each year. I haven't seen many of those kind of posts from locations with persistent ice and snow.

Now, if Ford can add an 'arctic' function for the Mach E and Lightning climate control I'll be all in. The automatic climate control in extreme cold in the Mach E leaves a lot to be desired, especially when the auto defrost comes on at full blast on its own and fills the cabin with frigid -40 air. Sadly, I've seen the Lightning turn on the auto defrost at full blast when I don't need it, too. So, it looks like I'll be manually controlling the climate control on the Lightning as well.

 

[monsterlag]

I was very pleasantly surprised at how capable and confidence inspiring our Mach-e GT (so also high HP/Torque) was in the snow this last winter. I was fully prepared to put some all climate or dedicated snow tires on it, but the factory all seasons, combined with a great stability/traction control system made it perform well beyond my expectations. For comparison, I found the Mach-e more sure footed and confident in light snow (say up to ~4") than my Raptor. No issue climbing up and in our of this spot (notice the level difference on the rear tires.

EV drivetrains give the software the potential for my better control than they have in ICE vehicles.

Love those pictures haha.

 

[VTbuckeye]

I have no experience yet with a ford EV, but our Volvo is great in the snow. No specific snow mode. Just take it easy with the go pedal. We have winter tires, so that helps. I have driven in thick slushy snow as well as ice conditions with 1pd on and off. It was fine either way. Be gentle with the wide pedal (or gently lift the skinny pedal). If things are really slippery it will pulse the abs in 1pd mode. I wonder how the ford will do.

 

[sZedely]

Having driven my Mach E AWD here in Alaska for 18 months, I've found these steps result in much safer driving on our 6 months of ice- and snow-covered roads:

1. Turn off 1 pedal driving
2. Use only the Normal (not Performance) driving mode
3. Replace the factory all-season or performance tires with winter tires.
4. Don't drive like an idiot

I will be using the same options for my recently received Lightning. I'm not sure a special snow mode would add much since you can select steps 1 and 2 once, at first snowfall, then not change them for the entire winter.

I've seen lots of Mach E forum posts about how they use one-pedal, select more aggressive drive modes, or drive on the factory tires without issue. Those posts usually come from locations with only a few limited winter storms each year. I haven't seen many of those kind of posts from locations with persistent ice and snow.

Now, if Ford can add an 'arctic' function for the Mach E and Lightning climate control I'll be all in. The automatic climate control in extreme cold in the Mach E leaves a lot to be desired, especially when the auto defrost comes on at full blast on its own and fills the cabin with frigid -40 air. Sadly, I've seen the Lightning turn on the auto defrost at full blast when I don't need it, too. So, it looks like I'll be manually controlling the climate control on the Lightning as well.

Driving like an idiot is kind of inherent in the Detroit area. People go out of their way to impede traffic in the passing lanes on the highway, Drive 100 MPH+, pass on the right lanes, pull out in front of on-coming traffic (and not speed up), run red lights, and etc... This is the main reason why I like the idea of automated driving or at least the assist. Seems that quite a few people don't care to pay attention on the roads.

As far as the climate control for the lightning, it seems to not really reach the desired temperature setpoint as an ICE F150. Been driving my wife's F150 and a loaner for two months while my Lightning is in the shop and those reach 70 degrees. The Lightning seems almost 10 degrees too cool. Will have to verify.

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