Ford Pro reveals Ranger plug-in hybrid electric pickup

Ford Pro has unveiled the all-new Ranger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany.

The new model, says Ford, offers full Ranger towing, payload and off-road performance with electric-only driving ability.

It offers up to 690Nm of torque – the most of any production Ranger – and an EV-only driving range of more than 27 miles.

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,” said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro, 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.”

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% of the pick-up sector market share, and accounts for over 55% 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 will be produced in Silverton, South Africa, and initial customer deliveries are expected from spring 2025.

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.

Ranger PHEV offers a payload up to one tonne, can tow up to 3.5t and comes with a 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, says Ford.

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. 

Ford engineers have 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.

Ranger PHEV’s Pro Power Onboard technology can 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.