Zipping straight into the more expensive end of the EV market

So, with some folk freaked out, fearful of expensive fossil-fuel shortages through on/off Middle Eastern wars, will all-electric vehicle sales skyrocket?

Maybe. There’s already a trend toward plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): vehicles which run on either electric or petrol/diesel power and with batteries that can be charged up from home.

These aren’t always as economical as claimed but make for peace of mind in troubled times (today’s PHEV and hybrid EV customers notably include some who bought pure electric cars before long-distance travel – even along well-travelled highways – and hunting down working chargers for a repower became too tiresome).

Anyway, battery electric vehicles still have their place. There are plenty to choose from, and it was all smiles – plus electrons – driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E during the first bite of the fossil fuel ‘crisis’.

But here’s a most incongruous badge: why call a near-silent, four-door SUV a Mustang? Steve McQueen wouldn’t hack it, to be sure.

Two ways to look at that: 1. An electric car sullies the rip-roaring Mustang image; or 2. The badge is mightier than the car.

Maybe Ford’s playing smart, trading on the love for a revered badge, giving it a second dimension in an eco-conscious world and a fresh set of customers.

And despite the contradictions, this electric version’s not a bad car, especially stepping up into the $98,490 GT version: expensive but most entertaining, with 434kW and 955Nm of torque on hand.

Mustang Mach-Es carry some styling cues from the conventional sporting Ford, including around-the-nose, Coke-bottle hips and rear taillights. It’s a coupe-style SUV, handsome enough and bigger than it looks.

The GT’s interior is minimalist, tidy, yet without a premium vibe.

Any number of controls are looked after by the big central touchscreen, there’s room for five, and space for luggage in the frunk up front and below the rear tailgate.

A full cabin sunroof – without a blind – may not always suit Queensland drivers. Nor may that tyre repair kit: no spare tyre or space saver here.

Yet, all up (despite the quibbles, the price tag, a firm ride and the lack of aural delights), this Mustang Mach-E has its charms.

It’s a grown-up’s car, and feels and drives more like a ‘traditional’ machine.

Where the electric Mustang GT moves on, with almighty speed, is switching from the quite mellow Whisper mode to Active and then to Untamed mode.

Now, Untamed, with more aural connection and more rear-drive bias and sharper steering, takes you into next week quicker than flash lightning. It may scramble the senses and the stomach when the full remit of the Mustang’s power and torque is unleashed.

This is a mode best left for solo runs.

And certainly before passengershave eaten.

Ford’s Mach-E will never replace the road presence, handling or sounds of a V8 Mustang coupe and there are a number of electric rivals in this more expensive neck of the marketplace. Some may better suit.

But if looking for a quick family car with a hallowed name plate, the Mustang Mach-E GT could be worth a look.