Ford has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger dual-cab ute will be available for sale in 2025. The Ranger PHEV will have an electric driving range of over 45 kilometers and a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes with the engine running. The vehicle will pair an electric motor with a turbocharged 2.3-liter petrol engine and will maintain its payload capacities despite the additional weight. The electric motor will drive directly through the vehicle’s 10-speed transmission, offering four-wheel-drive capability in electric-only mode. The Ranger PHEV will have more torque than any other current Ranger variant. The total combined outputs for the Ranger PHEV could be over 250kW/650Nm.
The development and testing of the Ranger PHEV took place in Australia at Ford’s You Yangs proving ground in Victoria. The vehicle’s ladder chassis was strengthened to accommodate the heavy battery, and the suspension, steering, and internal combustion engine were calibrated for the PHEV application. Ford plans to begin production in late 2023, with the first Ranger PHEVs arriving at dealerships by the end of the year or early next year.
The Ranger PHEV will be equipped with four selectable EV modes: Auto, Now, Later, and Charge. The vehicle will have geofencing EV capability, allowing it to automatically switch to electric-only mode in designated ultra-low-emission zones. It will also have vehicle-to-load capabilities, with power outlets in the cabin and on the load box.
No information has been provided about a possible plug-in hybrid version of the Everest, the SUV version of the Ranger. However, Ford Australia acknowledged the demand for all-electric vehicles and mentioned the success of the electric F-150 Lightning in the USA. Volkswagen, on the other hand, has not made a final decision about introducing a PHEV version of the Amarok, but they are working on a fully-electric e-Amarok that could be launched in 2025.
Sources:
– Ford Australia
– Volkswagen Australia