Update: Since this story was originally written, Ford has once again upped the Mustang Mach-E’s European tow rating to 3,307 pounds. The full story and video, including a towing test of a U.S.-spec Mach-E is available here.
If you want to tow with your Mustang Mach-E, Ford says it can handle up to 2,204 pounds. But there’s a catch.
Ford updated its official tow capacity this week, however that capacity is listed by Ford of Europe. Although Europe’s Mach-Es are believed to be mechanically and structurally identical to U.S. models, Ford has not given the Mach-E a tow rating in the U.S.
Although aftermarket companies make Mach-E tow hitches, the U.S. Mach-E owner’s manual advises against towing.
However, Ford’s European public relations department wrote on May 3, 2022: “The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s approved braked towing capacity has now been increased to 1,000 kg [2,204 pounds] on extended range models in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive – enough to allow customers to tow a typical small or average-sized fiberglass fishing boat.”
Braked towing capacity refers the maximum a vehicle can tow if the trailer has its own brakes.
Ford also released an official photo showing a Mach-E towing a boat.
“The towing upgrade for Mustang Mach-E is one of a number of free updates we’re continuing to make in hardware and software or through homologation to give owners the best experience possible,” said This Woelpern, general manager, Imports, Ford of Europe in the news release. “With towing in particular, it was a great example of us responding to customer queries, where we checked the feasibility of an increase and were able to deliver what they wanted.”
There’s a lot of speculation about why Ford doesn’t tow-rate the U.S. Mach-E, one centers around speed limits. European speed limits tend to be lower for those who tow. For example, the speed limit is 60 mph when towing a camper on the highway in Great Britain, according to gov.uk.
EV Rider attempted to reach out to Ford’s U.S. media team for clarification via its media site, but was met with “your account access is not privileged to view this page.” If Ford wishes to respond to EV Rider about why the Mach-E isn’t tow-rated in the U.S., this story will be updated.
Curt, Draw-Tite and Torklift Central are among the companies selling aftermarket trailer hitches for the Mach-E here in the U.S.
Social media is filled with examples of people who have installed trailer hitches on their Mach-Es and are actively towing with their electric Mustangs.
For those that would like to learn more about towing, Kelley Blue Book offers a good explanation.
