The Mach-E UK order book is understood to be “healthy” and buyers who have expressed an interest will be locked into deals this summer with many expected to be on the list for the high-spec First Edition models, limited to 10k units globally.

These include Fiesta, Puma and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models, plus Kuga, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom EcoBlue models. Most efficient is the Kuga Plug-In hybrid, claimed to emit 26g/km of CO2 on the outgoing NEDC cycle.

By electrifying its volume-selling Fiesta, Focus and Kuga models, Ford estimates that it could save European motorists around £28m a year in fuel costs. Ford is also promising to open 1000 charging stations at Ford ‘facilities’ across Europe to speed the introduction of plug-ins and BEVs.

“Infrastructure is critical to helping consumers have the confidence to go electric, but we can’t do it on our own,” said Ford Europe president Stuart Rowley.

Ford Mustang Mach-E: design, platform and powertrain

The styling strongly links the EV to the regular Mustang, reflected in features such as the badge and front and rear lights, as well as several lines along the bodywork. Gueler said: “The approach was to put this car in a unique spot: only Ford can do Mustang. In the next few years there will be hundreds of EV nameplates, but with Mustang we can load up with emotion and drama.”

The car lacks conventional door handles, instead featuring buttons that pop open the doors and small holds protruding from the front doors. Owners can use their smartphones as keys, or use a keypad built into the B-pillar.

The Mustang Mach-E sports a more radical interior, with a wide dashboard featuring a Mustang ‘double cowl’ and built-in soundbar. The dash is dominated by a Tesla-style vertically mounted 15.5in touchscreen with a rotary dial fixed onto it using special glue. Many of the car’s systems are controlled through the screen, which uses a new Sync 4 operating system that can accept over-the-air updates. There is also a 10.2in digital cluster for the driver, while the steering wheel retains a number of physical controls.