---
title: "Retracted Leak Says ‘Mustang-Inspired’ Electric Ford SUV Will Offer RWD-Only Option"
description: "Ford's first mass-produced electric SUV will offer a rear-wheel drive option to match its Mustang roots, according to a new leak."
date: "2019-10-18"
modified: "2019-10-18"
authors:
  - name: "James Gilboy"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/30485/retracted-leak-says-mustang-inspired-electric-ford-suv-will-be-rear-drive-launch-in-late-2020"
categories:
  - "Ford News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "Ford"
---

# Retracted Leak Says ‘Mustang-Inspired’ Electric Ford SUV Will Offer RWD-Only Option

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2019/03/D1qwGNNW0AYfisg.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

In a now-retracted passage of a tandem release with Ford about [their fast-charge network alliance](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/30479/mustang-inspired-mach-e-other-ford-evs-will-charge-on-electrify-america-network>), Electrify America seems to have accidentally revealed that the Blue Oval's "Mustang-inspired" electric crossover—possibly named the Mach E—will be released in late 2020 with a rear-wheel-drive-only version to match its pony car muse.

According to the original text of Electrify America's release, which we captured in a screenshot, Ford is targeting an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles "with an extended battery and rear-wheel drive." That specificity, and the fact it would only make sense for an electric SUV to sport a dual-motor powertrain for all-wheel drive, suggests that the EV will offer either a RWD-only model or at least the option to completely deactivate the front axle motor. The phrasing also points to at least two different battery capacities on deck.

![message-editor%2F1571341552794-macheleak.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1571341552794-macheleak.jpg>)
**Electrify America via *The Drive***

When *The Drive* reached out to Ford to verify Electrify America's release, the latter company quietly deleted the extended battery and rear-drive line. In addition to the screenshot above, the detail is still preserved on the version [hosted by PR Newswire](<https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrify-america-announces-agreement-with-ford-motor-company-to-provide-future-all-electric-vehicle-owners-with-access-to-ultra-fast-public-charging-network-300940269.html>). Ford has yet to answer our request for comment.

These details corroborate those presented by an alleged Ford engineer in [a leak](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/27398/mustang-inspired-ford-mach-e-will-do-zero-to-60-in-under-3-5-seconds-debut-late-2019-report>) this past April. The person claimed that the Mach E is "definitely coming in the second half of 2020," and that there'd be a version capable of traveling over 300 miles on a full charge. Today's development lends credence to their other assertions; they say the Mach E will look more like a Jaguar I-Pace coupe-over than a Ford Escape, and will [cost approximately the same as the Tesla Model Y](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/26960/2020-tesla-model-y-will-get-280-miles-of-range-3-5-second-0-60-for-60k>)—roughly between $40,000 and $60,000 depending on selected battery, motor, and trim level.

Like the Model Y, the fastest Ford Mach E is speculated to do zero-to-60 mph in 3.5 seconds or less. We probably won't see that from the long-range model, as that kind of acceleration will likely come from twin-motor all-wheel drive, but every Mach E should be quick nonetheless. Expect similar specs with an emphasis on luxury from [the Mach E's fraternal Lincoln twin](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/26019/lincoln-could-roll-out-mustang-inspired-electric-crossover-as-early-as-2020>), which is also expected to debut next year.

## Author
James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids."

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jamesgilboy>)