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Technology

Ford Ranger PHEV: The Electric Pickup That’s Ready for Work and Play

26 September, 2024 - 4:19PM
Ford Ranger PHEV: The Electric Pickup That’s Ready for Work and Play
Credit: motoringminute.com.au

Ford Pro is blazing a new trail for plug-in hybrid pickups with the all-new Ranger PHEV. The UK’s best-selling, no-compromise new model offers full Ranger towing, payload and off-road performance with electric-only driving ability, strengthening Ford Pro’s European pickup leadership and extending the comprehensive range of Ford Pro battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Up to 690Nm of torque – the most of any production Ranger – and an EV-only driving range of over 27 miles enhance the premium appeal of the latest Ranger model. Ranger PHEV also introduces Pro Power Onboard to the Ranger line-up, enabling customers to power up to 6.9kW of tools directly from the onboard battery rather than needing a generator.

In addition to the Wildtrak and XLT series, Ford Pro is introducing the new model as a PHEV-exclusive Stormtrak launch edition.

“The all-new Ranger PHEV delivers the benefits of electrification hand-in-hand with the hard-working performance that has built Ranger a loyal fanbase in Europe. We have perfected our first PHEV pickup in Europe to be a hugely capable tool for work and off-roading, as well as a premium vehicle with the comfort, connectivity and EV-only capability for family duties,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.

More than 200,000 Rangers have been sold in the UK since it was launched in 1998, reigning as the best-selling pick-up since 2016. Last year, Ranger accounted for over 45 per cent of the pick-up sector market share, and accounts for over 55 per cent for 2024 year-to-date.

“Having significantly grown market share and been the best-selling pick-up in the UK for eight years in a row, the Ford Ranger is firmly the nation’s favourite truck”, said Mandy Dean, director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Britain and Ireland. “The introduction of a new Plug-in Hybrid option for customers enables emission-free driving and more torque when required. The addition of Pro Power Onboard to power tools and equipment again takes Ranger to another level, and means that customers have an even broader range of choices”.

Ranger PHEV Powertrain

The all-new PHEV powertrain combines Ford’s 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and 10‑speed automatic gearbox with a 75kW electric motor and an 11.8kWh (usable) battery. The resulting 690Nm of torque is the highest of any production Ranger ever, and with 279PS the PHEV variant produces more power than a Ranger 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.

A new Modular Hybrid Transmission integrates Ranger PHEV’s e-motor into the bellhousing to enable hybrid driving. The battery takes less than four hours to charge using a single-phase 16 amp charger to deliver a targeted range of over 27 miles in EV-only mode.

Ranger PHEV Performance

Ranger PHEV offers the same hard-working performance that has earned diesel- and petrol-powered Ranger legions of devoted fans around the world. Ranger PHEV operators will continue to be able to carry a payload up to one tonne, tow up to 3,500kg and benefit from the off-road confidence delivered by Ranger’s latest e-4WD system, dual-range transfer box and rear differential lock. The traction battery is packaged between specially-engineered frame rails to maintain optimised approach, breakover and departure angles.

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.

Customers can also benefit from the electric motor’s regenerative braking and added torque when towing, moving heavier loads or negotiating demanding off-road scenarios such as rock crawls and steep inclines. Ford engineers also revised the suspension tuning for optimum comfort and more assured on- and off-road performance taking into account Ranger PHEV’s unique chassis and weight distribution.

Where available, Ford Pro Home Charging will enable owners to schedule charging during cheaper overnight tariffs, and Ford expects the hybrid powertrain to deliver fuel savings compared with Ranger’s higher-displacement V6 diesel engine option.

Pro Power Onboard

Ranger PHEV’s Pro Power Onboard technology supports customers who work hard and play hard with the ability to power high-draw tools and equipment simultaneously on a job site, or a fridge and lights on a campsite, without needing a generator. The system offers 2.3kW as standard, but customers can also specify a 6.9kW option featuring two 15 amp outlets in the load box, with 3.45kW available from each outlet to meet the demands of heavier-duty equipment.

The Stormtrak Launch Edition

The Stormtrak launch edition offers a high standard specification, including:

  • A unique exterior design with a black grille, side steps, rear bumper and wheel arch extensions.
  • A new, larger 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, with a redesigned central screen featuring Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system.
  • A powerful Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers.
  • Leather-trimmed seats with heating and ventilation.
  • A panoramic sunroof.
  • A suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid and automatic emergency braking.

Ford Pro Support

Like every vehicle from Ford Pro, Ranger PHEV is backed by a comprehensive supporting suite of servicing, charging, intuitive software and flexible financing to simplify ownership, improve productivity and reduce running costs. Many Ranger customers are dual-use small businesses who put their pickups to work during the week and use them for leisure at weekends: the FordPass app supports them on-the-go with vehicle health and security alerts. Companies with larger fleets and office-based managers can use data from Ford Pro Telematics to optimise their vehicle efficiency and uptime. Ford Pro’s new digital Logbook also makes it easy to track mileage for simpler accounting and compliance.

Conclusion: The Future of Pickup Trucks

The Ford Ranger PHEV is a game-changer for the pickup truck market. It combines the best of both worlds: the ruggedness and capability of a traditional pickup with the efficiency and eco-friendliness of an electric vehicle. With its impressive performance, innovative features, and comprehensive support, the Ranger PHEV is sure to be a popular choice for both businesses and individuals.

The Ford Ranger PHEV is a testament to Ford’s commitment to electrification and its vision for a more sustainable future. The Ranger PHEV is just the beginning, and we can expect to see more exciting electric and hybrid vehicles from Ford in the years to come.

Tags:
Ford Motor Company Plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Electric Pickup Ford Pro
Lena Schmidt
Lena Schmidt

Tech Enthusiast

Passionate about the latest tech innovations and trends.