Ford confirms Ranger PHEV

ADDING to an already extensive Ranger ute line-up, Ford Australia has announced plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of its popular one-tonne ute – but is keeping quiet about the possibility of the same drivetrain ending up in the Ranger-based Everest SUV.

The new model is scheduled to enter production in late 2024 for potential delivery soon after that or early in 2025, and will provide customers with both rechargeable electric and petrol hybrid driving capabilities.

It will put Ford ahead of competitor Toyota’s forthcoming mild-hybrid HiLux (expected mid- 2024), which cannot be plugged in for a battery top up or move much on electricity alone. Mitsubishi also has a petrol-electric hybrid Triton in the pipeline, due here in 2025.

As is the case with all PHEVs, the plug-in Ranger is designed to offer the best of both worlds for customers, with an expected electric-only driving range of 45km as well as the ability to drive using both its petrol engine and electric motor together.

The newcomer will maintain the Ranger's 3500kg (braked) towing capacity while also introducing new technologies like ‘Pro Power Onboard’, which behaves like an onboard generator, as well as different electric driving modes.

No pricing or definitive specification details are available this far out from launch suffice to say the Ranger PHEV will likely be premium-priced, potentially alongside the Ranger Raptor that lists from $86,790 excluding on-road costs.

Ironically, buyers may be able to opt for a high-powered sporty Ford ute or a fuel miser with zero local emissions potential for similar money.

Combustion power comes from a version of Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder found in the Mustang and other Ford models as well as the co-developed VW Amarok.

An electric motor “piggy backs” the combustion engine for improved power and torque over V6 diesel models and gives a claimed 45km of electric only range when the EV Now mode is selected.

The hybrid system allows Ranger PHEV to be driven purely on electricity for short trips or use both power sources for extended journeys and heavy loads.

The plug-in hybrid system was chosen over other electrified options like a regular hybrid or battery electric due to its ability to meet customer needs for towing heavy loads, travelling long distances and venturing off-road without relying on charging infrastructure.

Speaking at the announcement event, Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO Andrew Birkic said the Ranger plug-in hybrid "gives our customers the best of both worlds" and represents a "no compromises" solution that brings the benefits of electrification without sacrificing the capabilities customers expect from the Ranger brand.

Ford says the Ranger PHEV is being developed with customer usage in mind and to emphasise that assertion, Ford global trucks chief strategist Matt Riley presented a hypothetical "day in the life" example of how a tradie avatar named “Jason” could use the Ranger PHEV’s capabilities both for work and weekend camping trips.

Jason – a married father of three with a dog who works as a construction manager – uses various modes of the Ranger’s driveline and onboard energy storage to power tools at the worksite from his ute and arrive at the camp ground after work with a full charge so there is no need for a noisy generator.

Andrew Birkic said, “Ford is investing heavily in the Ranger PHEV to deliver the capabilities customers expect from the Ranger brand”.

Price and spec aside, he said Ford aims to introduce the plug-in hybrid without compromising attributes like towing capacity, payload and off-road performance.

The Ranger plug-in hybrid forms part of Ford Australia's plan to introduce five electrified vehicles here by 2024.

Ford Australia expects customer reaction to the Ranger PHEV will be positive based on the Ranger’s overall popularity.

Acknowledging that pricing will be a key factor for uptake given typical premiums for electrified vehicles, Ford says it plans to work closely with dealers to support the transition and educate customers.

However, as it is a PHEV on the Ranger ladder platform, Ford Australia expects the electrified Ranger to retain the ruggedness, off-road ability and interior packaging that has made the model a popular workhorse.

The addition of electric driving capability is expected to appeal to both private owners and fleet managers.

Ford said it was too early to say anything in relation to real-world fuel savings and a possible 45km electric range not being enough to satisfy customers.

However they did admit that Ford will need to provide a compelling value proposition to convince buyers to pay more upfront for this technology.

Andrew Birkic continued: “The Ranger plug-in hybrid gives our customers the best of both worlds by bringing the benefits of electrification without compromising anything customers love about the Ranger.

“Ford is committed to giving Australian customers confidence to go electric while offering vehicles that get the job done and are enjoyable to drive.

“This vehicle is part of our plan to deliver five electrified vehicles in Australia by 2024, and the Ranger PHEV is the latest addition fulfilling that plan.

“The Ranger PHEV brought together a talented Ford team that brings customer dreams to life through vehicles like this which delivers a ‘no compromises’ solution for Australian customers through its combination of electric driving and hybrid capabilities.

Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid chief engineer Rob Sharples said “outstanding power and torque comes from the combined combustion and electric powertrain and the vehicle exhibits the same capability as other Rangers for towing capacity, payload, and off-road performance.

“The Pro Power Onboard system and power outlets available in the cabin and load box will be of huge benefit particularly to tradies.

“Extensive engineering work was done to integrate the hybrid components while maintaining the Ranger's driving dynamics and high standards.

“Ranger PHEV is every bit the truck customers know and love with additional electric driving functionality,” he concluded.

But will there be an Everest version?

Andrew Birkic said: "We're really thrilled with Everest and our dealers get wonderful feedback. There's a lot of customers, whether it's base or Platinum but we have nothing to share today about any change to our Everest line-up.”