The household power socket in the centre console of certain Ford Ranger utes, Ford Everest 4WDs, and in some Ford Transit vans – used to charge lap top computers, travel fridges, and the like – has been deleted until further notice.
And the handy power socket will initially not be fitted to the new Ford Ranger and Everest due mid-year.
A 230V 150W power socket has been standard equipment on the Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak since 2011 and Raptor since 2018.
The same socket had also been fitted to certain versions of the Ford Everest 4WD and Ford Transit van.
But the power outlet was quietly dropped from the local line-up from the middle of last year – after it was noticed the universal socket did not meet regulations, even though Ford vehicles have been sold in Australia with the international outlet since 2011.
The 230V 150W power source in the affected Ford vehicles had a universal socket that could fit most international plugs, including those from the US and Europe.
Local regulations say the socket must be an Australian pattern and not a universal pattern.
Ford Australia has not been able to quickly rectify the technical trip-up because it has relied on one universal socket made for all global markets.
Although it is yet to be confirmed, Ford is likely now in the process of developing an Australian power socket for vehicles sold locally, but they may not be ready until some time next year.
The 220V power socket in the centre console of the Toyota Hilux SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X remains available on Australia’s top-selling ute range because it has an Australian household electricity plug pattern.
A statement from Ford Australia issued to Drive said: “Until the MY21.75 model year, Ranger, Everest and Transit models offered a power inverter with a universal socket.
“While the socket is compatible with Australian plugs, the AS/NZS 3112 Standard (‘Approval and test specification for plugs and socket-outlets’) requires a socket that matches an Australian plug specifically as opposed to a universal, multiway configuration.
“While we continue to work with the regulator to resolve the issue, we decided to remove the inverter power supply and socket outlet features from new Ford vehicles sold in the Australian market from the MY21.75 model year (since June 2021).
“This includes Australian-delivered Next-Generation Ranger, which will not be offered with the 400W inverter and plug in the load box when the vehicle goes on sale later this year.
“We reiterate that our power inverter system has been designed to Ford’s own global engineering standards, and customers who already have a Ranger, Everest or Transit fitted with these sockets can continue to use them.”
The removal off the 230V power socket in the current Ford Ranger also means the 400W inverter planned for the ute tray of the new model (pictured above) due mid-year will also be absent until Australian regulations are met.
The 400W inverter in the ute tray of the new Ford Ranger was highlighted as a feature by Ford of Europe, but was conspicuously absent from Ford Australia’s latest media release.
Drive understands the 400W inverter will eventually be added to the certain variants of the new Ford Ranger but it could be some months after production has started.
Keyword: Plug pulled: Ford Ranger loses handy power outlet after regulation trip-up