Ford is electrifying a new path for mid-sized utes, with the Ranger PHEV making its global public debut at IAA Transportation in Germany.
Ford International Markets president Kay Hart says the Australian-engineered vehicle will be built at the Sandton Plant in South Africa and should arrive in mid-2025.
The new model offers towing, payload and off-road performance with electric-only driving ability, strengthening Ford’s leadership of the ute market in Australia and New Zealand.
The Ranger PHEV combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor (e-motor) and 11.8kWh (usable) battery. The ability to electric-only driving for a targeted range of over 45km enhances its on-road appeal.
It also introduces Pro Power Onboard to the Ranger line-up, enabling customers to power up to 6.9kW of tools directly from the onboard battery rather than needing a generator.
In addition to the PHEV Wildtrak, Sport and XLT series, Ford is introducing a PHEV-exclusive Stormtrak launch edition. The limited-run vehicle’s unique Stormtrak design features include a new Chill Grey paint colour, the practical Flexible Rack System and a luxurious cabin with distinctive finishes.
“The Ranger PHEV delivers the benefits of electrification and the hard-working performance that has built a loyal customer base in Australia and New Zealand. We ensured our first PHEV pickup in would be a hugely capable tool for work and off-roading, as well as a smart vehicle,” said Andrew Birkic, President and chief executive of Ford Australia and New Zealand.
Plugging into a Ranger
A new Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) integrates Ranger PHEV’s e-motor between the engine and transmission, allowing hybrid driving. The traction battery is packaged between specially engineered frame rails. And, using a standard household plug, Ranger PHEV can be charged to complete overnight.
Ranger PHEV owners can tow up to 3,500kg and benefit from the off-road confidence delivered by Ranger’s latest Advanced 4WD system, dual-range transfer case and rear differential lock.
The e-motor allows Ranger PHEV to deliver electric driving capability, and drivers can choose when and how to use battery power using Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later or EV Charge modes.
- Auto EV: keeps Ranger PHEV in the best mode for performance and efficiency
- EV Now: provides all-electric drive1
- EV Later: keeps a portion of the charge in reserve so that it can be deployed later
- EV Charge: prioritises recharging the battery while driving
The Ranger PHEV’s Pro Power Onboard technology will support customers with the ability to power high-draw tools simultaneously on a job site or keep a fridge and lights running and devices charged while camping off-grid. The system offers a maximum of 6.9kW with a cabin socket output of 2.3kW and two outlets in the load bed with an individual outlet limit of 3.45kW.
