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Ford is set to introduce the new Ford Ranger PHEV, a plug-in hybrid pickup truck that promises electric driving without compromising on towing capacity, payload, or off-road performance.
As an alternative to diesel engines, Ford will offer the Ranger as a plug-in hybrid starting in the summer of 2025, with a six-month delay. The Ranger PHEV will be manufactured at the Silverton plant in South Africa.
Powering the Ranger PHEV is a combination of a 2.3-liter four-cylinder Ecoboost Turbo gasoline engine and a 75 kW electric motor sandwiched between the crankshaft and the transmission. Together, they produce 279 horsepower and deliver a maximum of 690 Newton-meters of torque to the ten-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes as standard.
The modular hybrid transmission of the Ford Ranger PHEV is a new development that integrates the electric motor into the transmission bell housing, reducing the complexity of the drivetrain. Compared to a conventional combustion engine setup, the hybrid system provides additional power and torque at low speeds through the electric motor, according to Ford.
The manufacturer specifies a towing capacity of 3.5 tons and a payload of 1 ton for the Ranger PHEV, available with either standard or heavy-duty rear suspension.
The Ranger PHEV features a 11.8 kWh battery that provides a range of 50 km on pure electric power. The electric motor allows emissions-free driving, with four different driving modes determining how the traction battery energy is utilized:
- Auto EV for the best performance and efficiency combination
- EV Now for up to 50 kilometers of electric-only driving
- EV Later to preserve a minimum amount of electric energy for later use
- EV Charge prioritizes charging the traction battery while driving
The traction battery (6.9 kW) beneath the loading area supplies 230 volts to the power outlets in the side walls and interior through the Power Onboard system, allowing for the connection of standard plug-in devices.
The electrified drivetrain of the Ranger PHEV offers additional benefits such as regenerative braking and immediate maximum torque delivery from a standstill, especially useful when carrying heavy loads, towing trailers, or navigating challenging off-road terrain.
Given the modified chassis and weight distribution specific to the Ranger PHEV's drivetrain, Ford engineers have opted for a more comfortable suspension setup for the rear axle, enhancing driving feedback on both paved and unpaved roads.
Prices for the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid start at €53,181 in the XLT trim, with the Wildtrak variant priced at €62,225 and the Stormtrak special edition starting at €69,008.