IT WAS TOUTED AS BEING THE end of the great Australian ute; electric powered utes just didn’t have the performance and features that Aussies wanted.
However, Ford is blazing a new trail for plug-in hybrid pickups with the Ranger PHEV that makes its global public debut at IAA TRANSPORTATION in Germany.
The new model offers renowned Ranger towing, payload and off-road performance with electric-only driving ability, strengthening Ford’s leadership of the pickup market in Australia and New Zealand.
Ranger PHEV combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor (e-motor) and 11.8kWh (usable) battery boosting the off-road and towing capability that Ranger customers need for work and play. The ability to provide smooth, electric-only driving for a targeted range of over 45km enhances the on-road appeal of the latest Ranger model.
Ranger PHEV also introduces Pro Power Onboard to the Ranger line-up, enabling customers to power up to a maximum of 6.9kW of tools directly from the onboard battery rather than needing a generator.
In addition to the PHEV Wildtrak, Sport and XLT series, Ford is introducing a PHEV-exclusive Stormtrak launch edition. The limited-run vehicle’s unique Stormtrak design features include a new Chill Grey paint colour, the practical Flexible Rack System and a luxurious cabin with unique finishes.
“The Ranger PHEV delivers the benefits of electrification together with the hard-working performance that has built Ranger a loyal customer base in Australia and New Zealand. We ensured our first PHEV pickup in Australia and New Zealand would be a hugely capable tool for work and off-roading, as well as a smart vehicle with the tech, connectivity and EV-only capability for family life,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
The Ranger PHEV will be produced in Silverton, South Africa, with initial customer deliveries expected in 2025.
Bringing plug-in power to pickups
The Ranger PHEV’s powertrain combines Ford’s 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox with a 75kW e-motor and an 11.8kWh (usable) battery.
A new Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) integrates Ranger PHEV’s e-motor between the engine and transmission, allowing hybrid driving. The traction battery is packaged between specially engineered frame rails. And, using a standard household plug, Ranger PHEV can be charged to full overnight to provide the power you need to power your work gear or camp site.
Ranger PHEV offers the same hard-working performance that has earned diesel- and petrol-powered Ranger legions of devoted fans around the world. This means, Ranger PHEV owners will be able tow up to 3,500kg and benefit from the off-road confidence delivered by Ranger’s latest Advanced 4WD system, dual-range transfer case and rear differential lock.
The e-motor allows Ranger PHEV to deliver electric driving capability, and drivers can choose when and how to use battery power using Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later or EV Charge modes.
- Auto EV: keeps Ranger PHEV in the best mode for performance and efficiency
- EV Now: provides all-electric drive
- EV Later: keeps a portion of charge in reserve so that it can be deployed later
- EV Charge: prioritises recharging the battery while driving
Ranger PHEV’s Pro Power Onboard technology will support the pickup’s ‘work hard, play hard’ customers with the ability to power high-draw tools simultaneously on a job site or keep a fridge and lights running, and devices charged, while camping off-grid. The system offers up to a maximum of 6.9kW with a cabin socket output of 2.3kW and two outlets in the load bed with an individual outlet limit of 3.45kW.
The Stormtrak launch edition offers a high standard specification, including:
- Unique Stormtrak design features with 18-inch alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, fender vents and decal kit
- Matrix LED headlamps, Flexible Rack System, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a 360-degree camera as standard for maximum functionality
- Stormtrak-only new Chill Grey paint colour with Agate Black paint also available
- A luxurious cabin with B&O sound system and unique interior materials