Ford announces a Ranger PHEV Ute

October 5, 2023 Rob Fraser 4WD Dual Cab Ute Guide, ENVIROCAR Guide, Ford, Motoring Minute Comments Off on Ford announces a Ranger PHEV Ute

Ranger PHEV – The movement towards more alternative fuel sources will cross over into the Ute market with Ford announcing that they will introduce a Plug In Hybrid version of the popular Ranger Ute.

Ford Ranger PHEV 1 Due here in early 2025, the Ranger PHEV will combine electric driving capability with the adventure-ready versatility and work-ready dependability.

The Ute will come with a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system. It can be driven in pure electric mode for about 45 kilometres.

Ford says the Ranger PHEV will still maintain the 3500kg towing capacity along with the benefit of powering remote campsites or worksites. This could be a bonus if you leave the generator at home.

The idea of a PHEV Ute is interesting. Some say they are the best of both worlds; others say they are a poor compromise. In reality 40kms isn’t much of a range for daily driving, even though Ford say most drivers only cover that. My preference would be for closer to 100kms.

Everything is a trade-off. More range means more weight with a bigger battery.

However, a PHEV Ute may just be a good balance. The idea of powering campsites from the EV capability is appealing. Especially in a vehicle that still has excellent 4WD and towing capability.

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Ford Ranger PHEV Charging 2

More  Ranger PHEV details

  • Ford will introduce Plug-in Hybrid technology to the mid-size truck segment with its first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in early 2025
  • Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will offer zero-tailpipe emission driving in addition to the essential Ranger towing, off-road, and payload capabilities, and more torque than any other Ranger
  • Pro Power Onboard™1 means customers can leave the generator at home and free up cargo space; with enough energy to power remote camp or worksites

Ford will offer customers a plug-in hybrid version of Australia’s favourite 4×4 pick-up from early 2025. Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will combine electric driving capability with the adventure-ready versatility and work-ready dependability customers have come to expect from Ranger.

The first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will mark a significant step forward in Ford’s plans to offer a wide range of powertrain options for customers in the mid-sized pick-up segment.

“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, Ford Australia and New Zealand.

Ford Ranger PHEV towing 3

“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 Plug-in Hybrid will deliver more torque than any other Ranger, thanks to a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system. It can be driven in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres2 without using a drop of fuel or producing tailpipe emissions, helping customers save at the pump.

Ford Ranger PHEV Pro Power Close Up. 4

Ranger PHEV flexibility

This EV-only capability will be extremely useful for Australian Ranger customers, with more than half travelling 40km or less per day3.

The targeted maximum braked towing capacity of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is 3,500 kg4 – the same as the rest of the Ranger line-up.

Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will also feature Pro Power Onboard, enabling 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. That means noisy, bulky, heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment.

In addition to having on-demand electricity, Ranger Plug-in Hybrid’s EV drive modes will give customers more flexibility in deciding how and when to use the EV battery power.

Ranger Plug-In Hybrid also comes equipped with Ranger’s proven four-wheel-drive capability, selectable drive modes and advanced driver safety and driver assist features5.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will help our customers move into an electrified future, with the confidence and capability that only Ranger can provide. Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will join the Ford Australia line-up as our fifth electrified vehicle alongside Mach-E, E-Transit, E-Transit Custom and Puma BEV,” Birkic concluded.

Ford Ranger PHEV Pro Power Close Up 5

Notes

  1. Pro Power Onboard may vary between models and markets and is subject to regulatory approvals. Electrical outputs to be published closer to the on-sale date.
  2. Officially homologated energy efficiency figures including driving range will be published closer to the on-sale date for Australia using ADR 81/02 certification. Over 45km is the targeted range based on manufacturer-tested values and calculations according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Actual range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviour, vehicle maintenance, payload, towing, battery age and state of health.
  3. Next-Generation Ranger connected vehicle data, 1 June 2022 – 5 September 2023.
  4. Maximum towing capacity-braked using a Genuine Ford tow pack. Subject to State and Territory regulations. To comply with these limits, occupants and/or luggage may need to be restricted to not exceed the GCM and GVM limits. For further details regarding passenger and luggage restrictions, please consult your authorized Ford Dealer and/or refer to the Owner’s Manual.
  5. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road, or weather conditions.

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About Rob Fraser 2492 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.
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