SIXTY PERCENT OF AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS say they would be ‘more likely’ to buy an electrified vehicle if it offered greater towing capability, according to a recent survey by Ford Motor Company. Forty seven percent told Ford they were looking for something with off-road capability.
“When the Ranger PHEV arrives here in 2025, buyers can rest assured it has been developed with their needs in mind, providing the full Ranger experience, including 3500kg towing and off-road capability, along with the added benefit of electric-only driving and off-grid power via Pro Power Onboard,” said Ambrose Henderson, marketing director, Ford Australia.
Capability matters
Maintaining the core attributes that have helped make Ranger Australia’s best-selling vehicle was non-negotiable. Pairing a powerful 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system, the Ranger PHEV boasts all the features buyers expect, including an advanced 4WD system including low-range gearing, selectable drive modes for on- and off-road adventures, as well as a rear locking differential and 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity.
“We know Ranger owners take their vehicles off-road and tow, making use of Ranger’s capability. So, the fact that Ranger PHEV maintains these core attributes is something we know customers will love,” said Henderson.
Data from more than 10,000 Rangers, covering more than five million journeys, revealed that 59 percent of owners drive in 4A for all-road performance while 45 percent engaged 4H with 11 percent tackling hardcore terrain requiring 4L. Additionally, 45 percent of owners engaged the rear locking-differential.
Ranger owners spend a lot of time towing, and not just towing a box trailer to the rubbish tip. Thirty percent (or 3490 vehicles) logged heavy towing journeys where Ranger’s unique-in-segment integrated trailer brake controller was active.
“Real-world customer usage, combined with Ford’s own research that customers are looking for an electrified vehicle with off-road and towing capability is proof that Ranger PHEV is the right kind of electrified ute for Australia,” said Henderson.
Real-world performance
Ranger PHEV’s usable 11.8kWh rechargeable battery was chosen because it would meet the needs of most drivers without forcing them to make significant sacrifices when it came to key Ranger attributes, while also providing the off-grid advantage of Pro Power Onboard.
“The team studied how Ranger drivers used their vehicles and the average daily distances they drove. We also studied the charging habits of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle owners and used this information to inform the electrification of Ranger’s drivetrain,” said Henderson.
Data from 11.3 million journeys by Rangers across Australia revealed that the average driving distance each day was 40 kilometres or less. Recent data from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association showed that, on average, PHEV drivers use only electric power for two-thirds (65 percent) of their trip. Fifty-seven percent of PHEV drivers plug in their vehicle every night.
“Thanks to Ranger PHEV’s EV drive modes, we’re confident that owners will enjoy the flexibility to use the battery for short electric-only journeys or in conjunction with the petrol engine for long range touring and towing,” concluded Henderson.
So much for ex-PM Scott Morrison’s claim that EVs would mean the end of the great Aussie ute!