Introducing the Individual with the 250,000-Mile Ford Mustang Mach-E

      Ford

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      We often hear about high-mileage vehicles, whether new or used, but how often do you have the chance to speak with someone who casually drives a brand-new car to a quarter-million miles in just three years? Last week, Ford reached out with such an opportunity. The individual is David Blenkle, who has accumulated 250,000 miles (and counting) on his 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E. Yes, that’s 250k on an electric vehicle.

      Intrigued, we accepted Ford's invitation to have a conversation with Blenkle. His routine is surprisingly ordinary for someone who spends his entire day driving, and the Mach-E fits seamlessly into his role as a private car service operator in Santa Cruz, California.

      You're probably thinking, "California."

      Indeed, owning an electric vehicle is more convenient in the Golden State, and Blenkle had some prior experience with EVs before getting the Mach-E. However, the shift from his previous car was still significant.

      “I started driving an EV in 2017,” he recounted. “I bought a Ford Focus EV, and I was hooked the moment I pressed the accelerator,” he shared.

      “I had researched electric vehicles, and it seemed perfect for my situation,” Blenkle continued. “I worked about 35 miles from home, and the Focus had a range of 76 miles.”

      The advantages of a dependable California climate and a solid charging network are evident; even with the ability to charge at both ends of his trip, that range is likely too close for most people's comfort. Nonetheless, it worked well enough for Blenkle that he decided to continue with EV ownership.

      “I drove [the Focus Electric] for 15,000 miles. I think I owned it for five years. So when I needed my next car, I knew I wanted an EV.”

      However, a 76-mile range wouldn't suffice this time around.

      “I just completed a 500-mile work day,” he said. “I started this morning, and it’s just finished.”

      That’s a long day for Blenkle, who typically drives at least 350 miles on a regular shift. He conducted thorough research before choosing the 2022 Mach-E Premium (Extended Range, RWD) with its original EPA rating of 303 miles. At the time, no other options guaranteed a complete day of driving without needing to recharge, allowing him to make a choice based on factors beyond just range.

      “My last couple of cars were Fords,” he mentioned. “I began my research comparing it to Tesla—whatever sedan they had at that time—and the Mustang Mach-E checked all my boxes.”

      The Mach-E not only met his specifications on paper; Blenkle also has sentimental ties to the Ford brand. His mother owned a ‘64 Mustang, and both his wife and son recently purchased Fords as well.

      “I’ve just had great experiences with Ford,” he stated.

      In fact, he was so confident that he ordered the Mach-E without seeing it in person during the height of the chip shortage, which resulted in a nine-month wait. Instead, Blenkle contacted dealerships across the western U.S. to express his willingness to step in if a buyer canceled their order with his desired specifications.

      “One came available about 30 miles from my home,” he remembered. “Two other families arrived trying to buy it while I was completing the paperwork.”

      “I finished the paperwork and then asked the salesperson if I could sit in my car," he said with a laugh. "I hadn’t even seen it yet."

      “It was definitely a leap of faith,” he acknowledged.

      Consequently, it has paid off—both financially and in terms of performance. Despite his busy days and frequent fast charging, his battery still maintains over 90% of its original capacity. Additionally, it still has its original brake pads. However, electric vehicles aren't completely maintenance-free, especially after 250,000 miles. There are still components that wear out.

      “I just put on my fifth set of tires,” Blenkle told us.

      He achieved 55,000 miles on the original tires and has since gone through three replacement sets, averaging around 61,000 miles each—all OEM replacements.

      Aside from routine wear and tear (there’s some visible battle damage), Blenkle's experience has been nearly flawless. Naturally, we had to ask: Does Blenkle have any advice for those wanting to maximize their EV experience? Any tips or tricks? He seemed a bit taken aback by the question.

      “It’s a great question,” he said after reflecting. “I’m not driving it hard and I think that has certainly contributed to the vehicle's longevity,” he mentioned.

      He follows some standard best practices, such as limiting the Mach-E’s fast charge to just 90% of its capacity, but aside from that, he adheres to