Ford has developed a unique fragrance designed to replicate the scent of petrol for drivers transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). The fragrance, named “Mach-Eau,” aims to cater to car enthusiasts who associate petrol’s aroma with the driving experience.

The scent was introduced following a Ford Europe survey that found nearly 70% of drivers would miss the smell of petrol when switching to an EV, with 1 in 5 naming it as the scent they would miss most.

Petrol ranked higher than wine and cheese in terms of what people would miss when making the shift to electric cars.

Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Mach-Eau was created in collaboration with fragrance company Olfiction. While it replicates petrol’s scent, it also incorporates elements associated with the driving experience.

The fragrance blends benzaldehyde, which has an almond-like aroma linked to car interiors, and para-Cresol, which mimics the smell of tyres.

These are combined with blue ginger, lavender, geranium, and sandalwood, creating a mix of smoky, metallic, and rubbery notes. An “animal element” was also included to nod to the Mustang’s equine heritage.

Despite its attention-grabbing concept, Mach-Eau is not currently available for purchase. Ford introduced it as part of its broader efforts to dispel misconceptions about EVs and encourage traditional car lovers to embrace electric vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.