Aussie link to new Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid ute
Built in South Africa and sold in more than 180 countries worldwide, Ford’s new plug-in hybrid Ranger ute carries an Australian passport thanks to extensive local design and engineering input.
Ford Australia played a key role in the development of the all-new Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid model that made its global public debut at IAA Transportation in Germany.
Prototypes of the electrified Ranger ute, which is due on sale in Australia in mid-2025, were developed at Ford’s New Model Programs (NMP) facility in Campbellfield, Melbourne.
The Victorian facility has been intimately involved with the design and development of the market-leading Ranger since the current model’s inception, with the 1,000th Australian-made prototype recently rolling out of the old Plant 2 where Falcons and Fairlanes were once built.
The NMP team works on projects that require bespoke craftsmanship and agile manufacturing processes – such as building engineering prototypes and ‘mules’ that support Ford’s global vehicle launches.
The Ford Ranger PHEV program marks the first time NMP has produced an electrified prototype and required the engineering team to undergo upskilling and EV certification to complete the complex task of hand-building the engineering vehicles.
The electrified Ranger’s all-new powertrain combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox with a 75kW electric motor and 11.8kWh (usable) battery.
A new Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) integrates Ranger PHEV’s e-motor between the engine and transmission, allowing hybrid driving.
The traction battery is packaged between specially engineered frame rails. The battery can be charged to full overnight using a standard household plug.
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The e-motor allows Ranger PHEV to deliver electric driving capability, and drivers can choose when to use battery power using Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later or EV Charge modes.
The combination delivers a claimed electric-only driving of over 45km, while maintaining the ICE-powered Ranger’s full 3,500kg braked towing capacity and off-road ability, according to Ford.
Like its 4x4 stablemates, the Ranger PHEV features a dual-range transfer case and rear differential lock for enhanced off-road performance.
No details have yet been provided of the combustion engine’s fuel consumption, but PHEVs typically offer much better fuel efficiency than their combustion counterpart, thanks to the ability to drive in electric or hybrid electric modes.
The new model also adds another arrow to the Ranger’s quiver with its Pro Power Onboard feature which enables customers to power high-draw tools and appliances directly from the onboard battery, rather than needing a generator.
The system offers up to a maximum of 6.9kW with a cabin socket output of 2.3kW and two outlets in the load bed with an individual outlet limit of 3.45kW.
Despite being designed and engineered here in Australia, the new Ranger PHEV will be produced at Ford’s Silverton plant in South Africa, in Wildtrak, Sport and XLT grade trims series, as well as a PHEV-exclusive Stormtrak launch edition.
The Stormtrak features unique design elements including 18-inch alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, fender vents and decal kit, as well as additional features like Matrix LED headlamps, Flexible Rack System, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a 360-degree camera as standard. The cabin features unique interior materials and a B&O sound system.
Pricing and further details of the Ranger PHEV’s specification will be released closer to its launch in mid-2025.
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