File this one under “B,” for bummer.The plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Ranger pickup won’t make it to US showrooms, leaving what many Blue Oval truck aficionados thought could be a compelling electrified midsize truck offering for American buyers. At least for now, the decision seems to slam the door on a long-running question about the Ranger’s North American electrification path, even as Ford pushes broader electrification strategies across its many markets. The Ranger PHEV pairs the Ranger’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine with an electric motor and an 11.8-kWh battery pack. Ford says the plug-in hybrid delivers a modest EV-only range of about 29-31 miles, but that could easily cover most American drivers’ daily commute. And it retains the same towing capability as the standard Ranger, up to 3,700 pounds. It also offers Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system. Despite those attractive specs, Ford made it clear that the Ranger PHEV “is only available for select global markets outside of North America, where we are seeing stronger demand for this powertrain.” Ford said the Ranger plug-in hybrid—and the related Ranger Super Duty pickup—“aren’t coming to America” because its existing domestic lineup already offers electrified alternatives. Ford Ranger PHEVThat lineup includes the hybrid Maverick and the hybrid F-150 PowerBoost, though as of last month, that roster no longer counts the electric F-150 Lightning among its ranks. We still await word on the timing and details of the extended-range hybrid full-size pickup slated to replace the now-defunct Lightning.Ford says its rationale behind denying American customers the PHEV Ranger hinges on both product positioning and customer choice, arguing that its current hybrid truck lineup (Maverick and F-150) didn’t justify adding another plug-in option. One could argue there’s a gaping hole in that lineup that a PHEV Ranger would fill nicely, but that line of thought appears moot at this point.Outside the US, where the Ranger is often the only pickup in a market’s lineup, clearly the PHEV offers an attractive consumer alternative and helps meet regional emissions targets.We retain hope, however, that tides continue to shift toward making more vehicles like the Ranger PHEV available to US buyers. The continuing drift in the American market toward bigger, more expensive vehicles is getting exhausting.
