Cut up your four-by-twos in the wilderness
Ford is going to build its first ever Ranger pick-up truck with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, with the model said to have more torque than any other version yet seen.
Three-pin plug sockets will be available in the load bay – allowing owners to power their work tools or their camping gear from them, no matter where the truck is parked up.
Electric for the wheels, electric for your tools
For the Ranger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), power will come from a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine, accompanied by an electric motor and a medium-sized high voltage battery offering an electric-only driving range claimed to be in excess of 28 miles.
It will also have more torque than any other model in the present Ranger line-up, an honour that currently rests on the shoulders of the 3-litre V6 turbodiesel, which develops up to 443lb ft. However, it is unlikely the Ranger PHEV will surpass the 288bhp of the petrol-powered Ranger Raptor high-performance derivative.
A maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg is slated; that would be as much as any other Ranger available right now.
The Ranger’s proven four-wheel-drive set-up will also be carried over to the PHEV, while a selection of drive modes will let drivers decide when and where to use their electric resources to turn the pick-up’s wheels.
Pro Power Onboard is a feature that sites power outlets in the cargo area of the Ranger, with more in the cab as well. This will allow owners to plug their “high-draw” appliances, tools and devices directly into the truck, thus negating the need to lug a separate heavy, bulky generator along for the ride — and therefore keeping more of the load space free for other items.
Helping customers ‘step forward into an electrified future’
Speaking at the announcement of the Ranger PHEV, Hans Schep, Ford of Europe’s general manager of the Pro department — the section of the business which focuses on commercial vehicles — said: “The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will help customers step forward into an electrified future, with more confidence and capability than ever before, while keeping Ranger at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the midsize pickup truck segment.
“Our customers want electrified vehicles that deliver strong performance and affordable cost of ownership without compromising what they love about their truck. The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play and family — offering customers zero-tailpipe emission EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible off-road, payload and towing capabilities. And, with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners can power their work sites and campsites easily.”
The Ford Ranger PHEV is slated to go into production in 2024, ready for sale in the UK from early 2025. Pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed.
- If you found the story on the new hybrid Ranger interesting, you may be interested in the new Ford Transit Custom Nugget camper
- Read why Ford sold some of its stake in electric pick-up maker Rivian
- Or read our review of the Ford Ranger Raptor
Keyword: Ford Ranger pick-up to get plug-in hybrid power