Ford makes buyers pay for the “frunk” in the Mustang Mach-E

Ford has sparked controversy after deciding to make the front trunk (“frunk”) a paid option on the electric crossover Mustang Mach-E. The move has triggered heated discussions among EV owners and industry observers.

Until the 2025 model year, the frunk – an additional storage compartment under the hood typical for electric vehicles – was included as standard equipment across all Mach-E trims. However, starting with the 2026 model year, access to the frunk now comes as an optional feature priced at $495.

According to the configurator on Ford’s official website, the frunk is now listed as a standalone item in the “exterior options” category, alongside accessories such as protective covers and aerodynamic elements. Structurally, the space under the hood remains unchanged, but access to it is electronically restricted unless the buyer selects and pays for the option.

Ford has explained the decision as an effort to reduce the base price of the vehicle by allowing customers to choose which features they actually want. Representatives of the Mustang Mach-E brand stated that internal usage statistics show many owners rarely use the frunk, which became the main justification for revising the equipment strategy.

Critics, however, view the move as another example of “option monetization” – charging separately for features that were previously included as standard. The decision has intensified concerns among EV enthusiasts that automakers are increasingly introducing paywalls for basic functions.