Following a massive amount of backlash, Ford distanced itself from plans to call its Mustang-inspired electric crossover the Mach 1.
Since the initial teaser video was released in January, Ford has reverted to calling the model varying names including the “performance utility,” the “performance battery electric utility” and the “Mustang-inspired battery-electric SUV.” The model obviously needs a better name than that and it appears it could eventually wear the Mach E moniker.
As noted by The Drive, Ford has filed trademark applications for both the Mach E and Mach-E names. The filings were made on November 26th and this is nearly a year after the Mach 1 debacle. This seems to suggest Ford backed away from using the Mach 1 name due to the backlash and instead decided to go with the Mach E moniker.
That remains unconfirmed at the moment and Ford is staying tight-lipped. However, a spokesperson told the publication “Trademark applications are intended to protect new ideas but aren’t necessarily an indication of new business or product plans.”
Ford hasn’t said much about the model lately, but back in September they released a teaser image showing the crossover’s rear end. The picture revealed the model will have muscular rear haunches, slender mirrors and taillights that echo the Mustang. The company also reiterated that the crossover will be launched in 2020 with a range in excess of 300 miles (482 km).
While Ford is staying quite, the automaker has already confirmed the battery performance utility will be one of 16 electric vehicles that the company will offer globally by 2022. The company also has plans to offer 24 electrified vehicles including the Mustang Hybrid and the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring.
