Ford Australia has announced it will offer a plug-in hybrid version of its best selling 4×4 pick-up the Ranger to have a plug-in hybrid version available from early 2025.
Ford says the ute will combine an electric driving capability with the versatility and dependability its customers have come to expect from its Ranger.
The company added that the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will mark a significant step forward in its plans to offer a wide range of powertrain options for its 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 president and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand, Andrew Birkic.
“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,” Birkic said.
Ford claims the 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 claims it can be driven in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres without using a any fuel or producing tailpipe emissions, helping customers save at the fuel pumps.
The company says the Ranger hybrid’s EV only capability will be useful for Australian Ranger customers, citing data that indicates that more than half of them travel 40km or less per day.
Ford added that the targeted maximum braked towing capacity of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is 3,500 kg – the same as the rest of the Ranger line-up.
Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will also feature Pro Power Onboard, enabling customers to power 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 and heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment the company claims.
Ford says that 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 will also come equipped with four-wheel-drive capability, selectable drive modes and advanced driver safety and driver assist features.
“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.
