(Updated December 7, 2019) | Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E is electric and vegan.
Inspired by the classic American Mustang, the new five-seater SUV drives near-silently, features a spacious interior, and can go from zero to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Ford says, “this is Mustang power reimagined with electric performance.”
The new Mach-E’s interior is completely animal-free, with vegan leather upholstery. Ford wanted it to be “an animal-free product,” according to Brittany Moss, a color and materials designer at the car manufacturer. She explained in a statement that Ford opted for vegan interiors in order to attract a certain type of customer.
Some are cynical about the new vehicle and its status as a “true Mustang” — due to the fact it’s electric and an SUV — but others snapped it up. The car isn’t out until 2020, however, in the U.S., the Mustang Mach-E First Edition is already sold out.
Other models — like the Premium Trim — will be available later on in 2020, says CNet, with more affordable versions to follow in 2021.
Ford will continue to pioneer sustainable materials. The company, which adopted soybean-based foam for car seating in 2008, will develop a composite material made from dried coffee bean husks. The raw material will be supplied by fast-food giant McDonald’s, according to the Truth About Cars.
Vegan, Electric Cars
Ford isn’t alone. Volvo recently announced the 2020 launch of its new vegan-friendly electric model, the Polestar 2. According to Håkan Samuelsson — Volvo’s CEO — becoming more sustainable is essential for business.
“We will bring sustainability into our company, not as something to add-on, because it’s good or something that’s expected of us. We bring it into the company because we think it’s really good for our business,” he said in a statement.
“It will make our company grow faster,” he added. “It will make our company stronger, exactly as safety made Volvo stronger.
Porsche is also launching a new electric model, the Taycan. The manufacturer gives customers the option of a vegan leather interior. The floor of the vehicle features Econyl recycled fiber, made with recycled fishing nets.
Many think of Tesla as the pioneering company behind electric automobiles, but CEO Elon Musk isn’t threatened. “Our true competition is not the small trickle of non-Tesla electric cars being produced,” he said in the past. “But rather the enormous flood of gasoline cars pouring out of the world’s factories every day.”
