The Ford Mustang has always been synonymous with roaring V8s, tire-shredding torque, and the visceral thrill of internal combustion. But in 2024, history was made when the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV outsold its gasoline-powered coupe and convertible siblings for the first time. It’s a monumental shift that signals how the automotive industry—and consumer preferences—are evolving.

By the Numbers: A Tale of Two Mustangs

Ford’s recently released Q4 and year-end sales data tell the story. In 2024, the Mustang Mach-E posted 51,745 sales, representing a remarkable year-over-year increase of 26.9% from 2023. Meanwhile, the traditional gasoline-powered Mustang, despite its storied history and recent redesign, managed 44,003 sales—a 9.5% decrease from the previous year.

This significant milestone demonstrates not only the growing appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) but also the ability of the Mach-E to carve out its own niche in a market that’s becoming increasingly competitive.

Gasoline Mustang: A Challenging Year

It’s worth noting that 2024 was the first full calendar year of production for the redesigned gasoline-powered Mustang, which now stands alone as the last of the V8-powered pony cars following the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger at the end of 2023. Even with less competition in the muscle car segment, the Mustang faced challenges.

Ford cited supply chain issues—particularly affecting the Mustang’s 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine—as a significant factor in the gas-powered Mustang’s lower sales numbers. Inventory constraints during the second half of the year played a role in limiting its availability, putting the model at a disadvantage compared to the consistently well-supplied Mach-E.

This isn’t the first time Ford has had to prioritize the Mach-E over its traditional counterpart. Back in mid-2021, during the height of the global chip shortage, Ford reportedly shifted production resources to the electric SUV, recognizing its growing importance in the EV space.

Mustang Mach-E: From Underdog to EV Icon

Since its debut, the Mustang Mach-E has been a success story for Ford. In April 2021, just months after its introduction, Ford announced that the electric SUV was moving off dealer lots at lightning speed—a critical metric for automakers assessing demand. Unlike some competitors, Ford was quick to ramp up production of the Mach-E, ensuring it could compete head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y, which launched less than a year prior.

Ford hasn’t rested on its laurels either. For the 2024 model year, the Mach-E received updates, including the introduction of a new Rally grade designed to broaden its appeal even further. While it hasn’t been redesigned like the gasoline-powered Mustang, its steady evolution and strong value proposition have kept it competitive in an increasingly crowded field of electric SUVs.

Broader Implications for Ford and the Industry

The success of the Mustang Mach-E underscores the broader shift happening across the automotive industry. Electrification is no longer just a niche market—it’s rapidly becoming mainstream. Ford’s EV strategy has proven effective with the Mach-E, which now stands as a major player in the EV segment.

However, not all of Ford’s EV ventures have seen the same level of success. The F-150 Lightning, for instance, shares the nameplate and much of the underlying structure of its gasoline sibling, the F-150, but remains a smaller fraction of overall F-Series sales. In fact, production of the Lightning was recently paused, highlighting the challenges of scaling EV production in certain segments.

What’s Next for the Mustang?

The Mustang Mach-E outselling the gasoline Mustang is a milestone that reflects changing consumer preferences, but it doesn’t necessarily signal the end of internal combustion. For now, the gasoline Mustang remains an important part of Ford’s lineup, offering enthusiasts a visceral driving experience that EVs can’t yet replicate.

At the same time, the Mach-E has shown that Ford’s decision to expand the Mustang brand into the electric era was a smart one. By offering both gas and electric versions under the same iconic badge, Ford is effectively future-proofing the Mustang nameplate.

As the EV market continues to grow and supply chain challenges ease, it will be fascinating to see how the sales battle between these two Mustangs unfolds. One thing is certain: the Mustang, whether it’s powered by a roaring V8 or a whisper-quiet electric motor, is here to stay.