- Ford has made frunk a paid option on the 2026 Mustang Mach-E
- Handy storage area will now cost customers an additional $495
- The decision has not been received well in some corners of the Internet.
Earlier this month, Ford Authority reported that a front storage area, which has come standard on all Ford Mustang Mach-E models since their launch in the early 2020s, was quietly moved to the optional extras category in the updated 2026 model year.
The front boot, or ‘frunk’ as it is widely known among EV owners, consists of a useful storage space located under the bonnet.
Without the need for a bulky motor, many modern electric vehicles now feature a space where these old mechanical mechanisms once resided, so manufacturers have seen fit to turn them into a place to hide charging cables, small bags and other items.
The humble frunk can now be found on models from Kia, Hyundai, Tesla, Polestar, Porsche and many more.
According to the Ford Authority report, any trim level of the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E can be equipped with the new standalone frunk, which will cost US buyers an additional $495 over the list price to install it.
While Ford isn’t removing the ability to easily open the hood as this is necessary to refill the windshield washer fluid bottle, a Reddit user has revealed that the company simply won’t provide the plastic tray insert if it’s not paid for, instead leaving a mess of pipes, pumps, batteries and bottles.
Mach-E brand manager Teddy Ankeny said in a YouTube video posted by The Electric Duo that Ford is “learning that customers were using their frunk, but maybe not as much as we had originally anticipated.”
Ankeny added. “And so, to preserve that customer choice, we’ve made it optional for the 2026 model year,” according to Road and Track.
Analysis: use it or lose it
The auto industry is feeling the pressure from several fronts, including ever-changing global trade tariffs, the threat of more affordable Chinese newcomers, and unpredictable consumer reception to electric vehicles.
It’s clear that these factors are affecting global auto giant Ford as it looks to save money on the manufacturing side and open up new revenue streams with cost-plus options like this.
Fortunately, removing a frunk hasn’t caused the same furore as BMW did when it suggested that features, such as heated seats, could be locked behind a paywall, despite the physical technology installed in the vehicle.
That said, the comments section on various internet forums, including Reddit, hasn’t been particularly enthusiastic about the idea.
“Absolutely ridiculous. I can see the bean counters out there “What’s one feature EV owners love? THE FRUNK! We charge more for it! Idiots! said one user.
But Ford’s Frunk has actually been shrinking over the years, with an update in 2025 adding a heat pump that cut usable space by about half.
In the early days, Ford published press images of models enjoying a party at the cavernous venue, which included gorging on piles of shrimp and chicken wings.
Today, customers will be lucky if they can fit a Big Mac Meal in the front storage area. Is it really worth $495?
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