While in the past, a majority of Irish drivers first learned to drive in a petrol or diesel-powered Ford Fiesta, many of today’s learner drivers currently getting behind the wheel for the first time will only ever drive electric cars once they obtain their licences.1 Three schools in Norway and one in the Netherlands are leading a revolution in driver training for “Generation E”, picking the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E as the perfect car for their students.
For instructors and driving school owners, the vehicle’s long all-electric driving range coupled with lower operating costs make it a great addition, while its eye-catching design makes it a head-turning advertisement for the school.2 There are advantages for learner drivers too; learning in the Mustang Mach-E could help drivers pass their driving test with fewer lessons. 3 When taking the test in the Mustang Mach-E, drivers are allowed to utilise the driver assist technology on board, such as for automatic parking and hill starts.4
Another key benefit of Mustang Mach-E is that instructors can easily adjust the car’s settings according to the student’s wishes, in terms of how responsive the accelerating and braking should be. The vehicle’s ease of use, including the large interior screen and one-pedal driving, is also attracting older learners who previously had opted not to learn to drive.
The use of electric vehicles by driving schools is even changing the way driving is taught, with instructors teaching new drivers important efficiency techniques that help to extend a vehicle’s range. For many “Generation E” drivers – who are more often finding electric vehicles in their households – this new way of learning and the experience they have of Mustang Mach-E is helping to reinforce their belief in an electric future.
Driving into the future
Ford is committed to making more electric vehicles available to customers. By 2026, Ford in Europe plans to sell 600,000 electric vehicles annually, supporting the global goal of two million-plus annual production of electric vehicles, also by 2026. The company recently joined 27 companies in a petition to ensure all new cars and vans in Europe are zero emission from 2035 and called for targets to grow electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Europe to keep pace with electric vehicle growth rates.
