Ford has unveiled the first-ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ranger, which features a semi-electric petrol foundation with enough electric range for most people’s daily commutes.
The Ranger PHEV is currently only confirmed for the Australian market and will make its debut in early 2025, forming part of Ford’s strategy to offer a wide range of propulsion options in its popular mid-size bakkie as the world moves towards an emissions-free future.
“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family – offering customers zero-tailpipe emissions EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible on- and off-road performance,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.
“Ranger Plug-In Hybrid will bring all of the towing and payload capability our Australian customers expect of Ranger, and with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners will have power for both work and play.”
Ranger PHEV specs
The Ranger PHEV is equipped with the brand’s 2.3-litre, turbo-petrol EcoBoost engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system.
Due to its pre-production nature, the output and exact specifications of the electric part of the powertrain have not yet been revealed, however, the petrol engine by itself already produces a heady 201kW and 420Nm, so expect the PHEV driveline to do more than this.
In fact, the Blue Oval said the Ranger PHEV “will deliver more torque than any other Ranger” that came before it – the current holder of this accolade being the V6 Wildtrak that puts out 600Nm.
Thanks to the battery-powered internals, the new Ranger can be driven in pure electric mode for over 45km while still offering a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg – the same as the rest of the Ranger line-up.
It will be equipped with the same four-wheel-drive system with selectable drive modes as its siblings, too, and come with advanced driver safety and driver assist features.
In addition, the new PHEV Ford will debut the Pro Power Onboard feature that enables customers to power their tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed and the cabin.
More details on the new Ranger PHEV will be released as it nears production. Ford’s South African subsidiary has yet to announce whether the bakkie will make its way over to local showrooms.
Ford Ranger PHEV
Loading ...
