The Hybrid Ford Mustang Returns: Could This Time Be for Real?

Seven years after it was first announced, Ford is once again putting a partially electrified Mustang on the table. Is this the future of the world’s most iconic muscle car?

An old promise that may finally come true

Back in 2017, then-Ford CEO Mark Fields promised a hybrid Mustang, which ultimately never saw the light of day. Now, however, fresh reports from Ford Authority suggest the project is back in motion, this time based on the current S650 generation. According to the outlet, Ford is already testing prototype mules internally named S650E, although details about the hybrid powertrain remain unknown.

Hybrid Mustang? Yes. Full-electric? Not yet.

What is clear is that Ford has no plans to release a fully electric Mustang anytime soon. That statement came directly from current CEO Jim Farley in 2024, although he did confirm the company is open to a partially electrified model. In fact, Ford Performance has already been testing hybrid powertrains with a performance focus, adding weight to the idea that a hybrid Mustang could offer enhanced dynamics rather than just fuel savings.

Europe may be key to the hybrid Mustang’s future

While the American market might not yet be ready for a hybrid Mustang, Europe could be the main driver behind this development. The reason? The upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which threaten the future of traditional V8 engines. A hybrid solution could keep the Mustang alive in Europe, maintaining its sporty DNA while complying with increasingly strict environmental laws.

A side project with long-term strategic value

Although the hybrid Mustang isn’t currently a top priority for Ford — which is now focused on replacing discontinued models like the Fiesta and Focus — it could still become a reality in the near future. The Almussafes plant in Spain is set to receive a new urban SUV to replace the EcoSport, but the hybrid Mustang would complement Ford’s global electrification strategy, especially in the high-performance segment.

The future of the muscle car might be electric… at least partially

The current Mustang generation is expected to remain in production well into the 2030s, and in that context, a hybrid version is not just viable — it may be necessary. While purists might reject the idea today, shifting consumer preferences and evolving environmental regulations could make the hybrid Mustang a natural evolution, rather than a break from its legacy.