Ford has revealed more details about its upcoming Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which will give ute buyers an electrified option when it arrives in 2025.
At the IAA Transportation event in Germany, the Ranger PHEV made its public debut – the previous announcement featured a few photos and details only.
Combining an 11.8kWh battery with a 75kW electric motor to augment the 2.3-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic, the Ranger PHEV can travel “over 45km” on electric power alone. A maximum fast-charge rate has not yet been specified, but the vehicle-to-load capacity is 6.9kW thanks to Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system.
Comparatively, the upcoming BYD Shark has a fast-charge rate of 40kW but only 2.5 tonnes of towing capacity, whereas the 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV retains a full 3500kg capacity (braked).
Combined power and torque outputs are yet to be confirmed, but Ford has previously said it will offer more torque than any other variant (current V6 diesel produces 600Nm). The 2.3L EcoBoost engine in the Amarok produces 222kW and 452Nm. It depends how powerful the electric motor is, but we could be looking at around 240kW and 700Nm, or more. Fuel consumption figures are also yet to be confirmed.
Ford is also launching a limited-edition Stormtrak variant of the Ranger PHEV, featuring unique design elements and equipment enhancements. This edition will by differentiated by a new Chill Grey colour, 18-inch alloy wheels, a honeycomb grille, decal kit, matrix LED headlights, as well as the Flexible Rack System (as seen on Ranger Platinum). Inside, the Stormtrak comes with a B&O sound system and what Ford calls “unique interior finishes”.
Production of the Ranger PHEV will take place in Silverton, South Africa, with initial deliveries expected in 2025. Current Australian-sourced Rangers are built in Thailand, benefiting from a free trade agreement with the South East Asian nation.
Aside from the BYD Shark, no plug-in ute rivals have been officially confirmed for Australia yet. The GWM Canon Alpha may receive a PHEV variant, with the model understood to be under strong consideration by the local branch, and Chery is set to offer a plug-in hybrid ute some time in the near future.
A prototype has undergone assembly at Ford Australia’s facility in Melbourne, making it the 1000th prototype vehicle to be made at the factory. Local testing of the Ranger PHEV started last year, with vehicles made at the Campbellfield facility, in Victoria.
