The Ford Motor Company has confirmed the brand is developing a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger Ute for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Deliveries aren’t expected to begin until late 2024 or early 2025 according to the local distribution company, and more specific details remain under wraps for now.
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) will join a growing fleet of electrified commercial vehicles including the LDV eT60 ute, the mild hybrid Ram 1500 and 48-volt Toyota Hilux, and the anticipated BYD Ute with PHEV and BEV powertrains.
Under the bonnet of the Ranger PHEV is a familiar 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, utilised by it and the VW Amarok in other markets. This engine, on its own, generates 222kW and 452Nm. When paired with an electric motor, Ford hinted that it might offer more torque than any other Ranger available – implying figures exceeding the 600Nm offered by the V6 turbo-diesel variant.
Ford is promising an electric-only range of 45km but didn’t provide details on the battery’s size or the power available in this mode. Users can opt between an EV-only mode, an automatic hybrid setting, or a ‘save’ mode to conserve battery power. The EV-only function can be geofenced, potentially useful for upcoming low-emission zones or particular worksites.
The planned maximum braked towing capacity for the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid stands at 3500kg, matching its diesel counterparts.
The PHEV will also incorporate Pro Power Onboard, allowing users to power their tools or appliances, whether on worksites or remote camping locations. The vehicle offers 230 volts at 10 amps outlets in both the bed and the cabin, with the onboard inverter expected to exceed 3kW.
With the PHEV’s announcement, by 2025, barring the Everest based on the Ranger, all other Ford models, including the Mustang and Mustang Mach-E, would have an electrified counterpart.
The Ranger PHEV will join the Ford Australia line-up as its fifth electrified vehicle alongside the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit, E-Transit Custom and Puma BEV.
