Episode Summary
Executive Summary: David Roberts reviews a Ford Mustang Mach-E after a week of driving and finds EVs genuinely delightful: fast, quiet, smooth, and packed with useful tech. But he worries that making driving more enjoyable and powerful could increase car use and worsen danger for pedestrians and others unless cities also reduce car dependence through better land use, transit, and walkable communities.
Main Topics: First impressions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E (Priority: 5/5): Roberts describes the Mach-E as impressive, futuristic, and enjoyable, highlighting its comfort, screens, heated features, and overall refinement compared with his aging cars. EV acceleration and driving feel (Priority: 5/5): He emphasizes the instant torque, precise control, and one-pedal driving as the defining pleasures of EVs, contrasting them with the lag of gasoline cars. Driver-assist and interface design (Priority: 4/5): He notes lane-centering and other assist features as reassuring but slightly creepy, while praising Ford's interface choices, especially the dedicated gauge screen and physical volume knob. Concerns about increased car appeal (Priority: 5/5): Roberts worries that EVs make driving more fun and could encourage more driving, which would be counterproductive since less driving is better overall. Safety and pedestrian risk (Priority: 5/5): He argues that placing more power in drivers' hands, especially on hostile road infrastructure, could lead to more collisions and a worse environment for non-drivers. Broader anti-car urbanism (Priority: 5/5): The piece ends by stressing that the real goal should be reducing car dependence through walkable, mixed-use communities where walking and biking are preferable to driving.
Key Arguments: EVs are exceptionally fun to drive because of instant acceleration and precise one-pedal control, making even a non-car enthusiast impressed. Modern EV features like heated seats, wireless charging, smartphone keys, and large touchscreens create a premium, futuristic experience. Ford's interface is better than Tesla's for Roberts because it preserves some physical controls and provides a second display for critical driving information. Making driving more enjoyable may unintentionally increase how much people drive, which is bad because less driving is preferable. High torque and quick acceleration can magnify mistakes and encourage risky behavior, especially in a car-centric and pedestrian-hostile U.S. road system. Driver-assist software may help in normal conditions but cannot solve the deeper problem of dangerous infrastructure and distracted driving. Even if EVs are environmentally superior to gasoline cars, the ultimate priority should still be reducing car dependence through walkable, mixed-use urban planning.
Data Points: Model reviewed: Ford Mustang Mach-E - The EV Ford loaned Roberts for a week and that he evaluated in the episode. Number of household cars: 2 - Roberts says his family owns two very old cars: a 2001 Honda Odyssey and a 2009 Toyota Prius. Honda Odyssey model year: 2001 - One of the family vehicles Roberts says is falling apart. Toyota Prius model year: 2009 - The family's second old car, used as a reference point for comparisons. EVs personally driven before this test: 2 - Roberts says he has only driven the Kia EV6 and the Ford Mach-E. Car and Driver award year: 2021 - He references Car and Driver naming the Mach-E its EV of the year. Acceleration response time: Instant / within 1-2 seconds - He contrasts EV acceleration with the lag in gasoline and hybrid cars, noting the speed responds immediately.
Pivotal Quotes: "EVs are fun to drive." — David Roberts: His headline conclusion after several days with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. "It is difficult to believe that if driving is more fun, people won't do it more." — David Roberts: He explains his concern that EV appeal could increase total driving. "The top priority should be making land use and planning choices that encourage walkable communities." — David Roberts: His closing argument that reducing car dependence matters more than improving cars.
Implications: EVs may accelerate consumer adoption, but policy should not stop at cleaner cars; cities must also cut car dependence, improve street safety, and prioritize walking, biking, and transit.