Charge Automotive pitches 400hp electric Mustang

Ford will sell you a hybrid Mustang soon; UK start up has already gone one step further...

Given the outcry at four-cylinder Mustangs, and the confirmation of hybrids coming at some point soon, it feels like news of the Ford icon being made without any pistons at all should come with a warning for enthusiasts. Sorry, bit late now. Still, if Chevy can dip a toe in the water with an electric COPO Camaro - a car specifically designed for drag strips, don't forget - then a roadgoing EV Mustang is far less sacrilegious. Probably.

This is not a Ford creation, instead it's the brainchild of London-based Charge Automotive. Its plan is to build 499 of these classic Mustangs (using officially licensed bodies) and charge around £200k for them. Top Gear says that the 64kWh battery pack/electric motor combo will make more than 400hp and in the region of 885lb ft, sufficient for 62mph in 3.1 seconds. Range is said to be around 124 miles. Note, too, in the video below a much more modern Mustang interior, plus the ability to choose between RWD and AWD drive modes.

And what makes this more viable than any other restomod or powertrain swap? Well Charge has already been involved in EV projects for McLaren, JLR and Williams F1, as well as the Roborace powertrain, so it has a good deal more credibility than many of its rivals.

Deposits of £5k are being invited now, with deliveries expected next September. Should the coupe not appeal, Charge will make an EV Mustang cabrio as well - which could be quite something. Finally, should this talk of an electric muscle car be a bit much, rest assured there are plenty of classic Mustangs still available with more traditional powertrains. They aren't £200k, either...