Ford reveals first-ever hybrid Ranger bakkie

Ford has revealed the first-ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ranger, which is expected to launch sometime in early 2025.

According to Ford, The Ranger PHEV is currently only confirmed for the Australian market and is part of Ford’s strategy to offer a wide range of options for its popular mid-size bakkie as the world moves towards an emissions-free future.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family – offering customers zero-tailpipe emissions EV driving for short trips or hybrid performance that delivers incredible on- and off-road performance,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.

“Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will offer zero-tailpipe emission driving in addition to the essential Ranger towing, off-road, and payload capabilities, and more torque than any other Ranger,” Ford said.

Specs

The Ranger PHEV is equipped with the brand’s 2.3-litre, turbo-petrol EcoBoost engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system.

It can be driven in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres without using a drop of fuel or producing tailpipe emissions, helping customers save at the pump.

The electric part of the powertrain’s output and exact specifications have not been revealed yet; however, the petrol engine alone produces an impressive 201kW and 420Nm, so it is safe to assume that the PHEV driveline will exceed these figures.

In fact, the Blue Oval said the Ranger PHEV “will deliver more torque than any other Ranger” that came before it – the current holder of this accolade being the V6 Wildtrak that puts out 600Nm, reported TopAuto.

The latest addition to the Ranger family has a top braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, just like the other models in the lineup. It comes with a four-wheel-drive system that has selectable drive modes and advanced driver safety and assist functions.

In addition, the new PHEV Ford will debut the Pro Power Onboard feature that enables customers to power their tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed and the cabin.

“Ranger Plug-In Hybrid will bring all of the towing and payload capability our Australian customers expect of Ranger, and with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners will have power for both work and play,” said Birkic.

That means noisy, bulky, heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment.

Ford has unveiled its first-ever hybrid Ranger bakkie.

As the production of the new Ranger PHEV approaches, more details will be released. It is not yet known whether Ford’s South African subsidiary will bring the bakkie to the local market.

Ford Ranger PHEV

Read: New Ford crossover launching in South Africa – pricing and features