Reports of hybrid Mustang prototypes suggest Ford may soon electrify its iconic pony car ahead of its 2030 hybrid pledge.
The Ford Mustang, long defined by its V-8 rumble and rear-wheel-drive heritage, appears closer than ever to receiving hybrid power.
According to a report from Ford Authority, the automaker has begun testing a hybrid version of its current S650-generation Mustang, internally dubbed the S650E. While details of the system remain unclear, the development marks Ford’s clearest step yet toward electrifying its flagship performance car.
The move aligns with Ford’s 2024 commitment that all of its gasoline-powered vehicles will feature hybrid technology by 2030. At a June shareholder meeting, executives reaffirmed that pledge despite shifting industry conditions.
An electrified Mustang has been under discussion for years. Ford first announced plans for a hybrid pony car in 2017, investing $700 million into its Flat Rock, Michigan, plant with the goal of launching by 2020. That program never reached the market, likely derailed by global supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly hinted at a hybrid Mustang’s inevitability. Speaking with Bloomberg in 2023, Farley dismissed the notion of a fully electric coupe but endorsed partial electrification, saying it preserves the emotional driving experience while cutting emissions. A year later, he told Autocar that hybrid systems could even enhance performance, offering quicker acceleration while maintaining traditional driving dynamics.
If the current testing reports prove accurate, Ford could introduce the hybrid Mustang as part of the S650’s mid-cycle refresh, potentially within the next year. That would place the model well ahead of Ford’s 2030 deadline and keep the Mustang competitive in an increasingly electrified sports car market.
For now, Ford has declined to confirm the hybrid program. “We don’t comment on speculation about future products,” a company spokesperson said.
