Ford Reveal ‘No-Compromise’ Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Pickup for 2025

Ford has confirmed it will add a plug-in hybrid option to its Ranger pickup line-up.

Ford says the petrol-electric hybrid will be a “no-compromise” addition to the existing model range when it arrives in 2025, meeting customer demand for a hard-working vehicle that can operate off-grid while still complying with the latest environmental legislation.

Ford Ranger PHEV: Petrol and Electric Power

Unlike existing Ranger variants, which are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder or 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, the plug-in model uses a 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine allied to an electric motor.

Ford is keeping exact technical details of the motor and battery pack under wraps for now but says the PHEV delivers the performance demanded by Ranger drivers and offers the most torque of any Ranger model, which means at least 600Nm.

With a full charge, the Ranger PHEV offers an all-electric driving range of around 28 miles, with Ford saying the hybrid system brings a “significant” reduction in CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy.

With vehicle data showing half of Ranger drivers cover less than 25 miles a day, making multiple short trips, Ford says many will be able to complete a day’s work using electric power alone. Drivers will retain the long-range abilities of the petrol engine and be free from range and charging concerns that would come with an all-electric powertrain.

As part of the hybrid setup, the Ranger PHEV offers four drive modes — Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge — allowing drivers to choose when to deploy the truck’s electric power or replenish the batteries via the petrol motor. It also features geofencing, allowing the pickup to select the best drive mode autonomously — for example, switching to EV Now when entering a city with a low-emissions zone.

The Ranger PHEV only features AC charging, which means that, while there won’t be the opportunity to recharge the battery at a rapid charger, owners will be able to top up the Ranger via a regular wall socket. The Ford Kuga SUV utilises a 14.4kWh battery pack, which, if used on the Ranger, would lead to a charge time of just under five hours from a domestic plug socket.

Ford Ranger PHEV: Payload and Towing Capacity

A key aim for the Ranger PHEV was to offer the same capabilities as every other Ranger variant. So the plug-in model has the same 3,500kg towing capacity as existing diesel models and, crucially for the UK, will still meet the 1,000kg payload threshold — in some variants, at least.

Chris Rushton, marketing manager for Ford Pro Vehicles, said: “Customers are telling us they need new powertrain solutions that allow them to enhance the sustainability of their vehicle while continuing to do everything they already do every day.

“They need to be able to carry as much, tow as much and tackle the same tough off-road driving as they currently do and Ranger plug-in delivers that.”

To compensate for the additional weight of the batteries, motor and charging technology, the Ranger PHEV gets new heavy-duty rear suspension and additional bracing to the rear frame, along with new tuning for the steering and engine, which Ford claims retains the Ranger’s “outstanding” driving dynamics on- and off-road.

There’s no word on how much heavier the hybrid version is, nor any indication yet whether the position of the battery pack has compromised the size of the load bed. However, a close investigation of Ford’s images shows a slope to the rear of the load box going to a raised floor, suggesting the Ranger PHEV has lost at least a little of its cargo-carrying capacity.

Ford Ranger PHEV: Pro Power Onboard

The plug-in hybrid model is the first Ranger to feature Pro Power Onboard, already seen on the new Ford E-Transit.

Acting like a built-in generator, Pro Power Onboard uses the hybrid battery to power electrical devices via 230V sockets in the cabin and load area. The battery can then be recharged by running the petrol engine, either on the move or on-site.

Ford says the system allows owners to power a huge range of electric devices — from circular saws and drills to TVs and fridges — whilst off-grid without having to carry a separate generator. The Ranger features two sockets in the pickup bed and a third inside the cabin to power devices such as laptops.

Pro Power Onboard will be available on all plug-in variants, although Ford bosses wouldn’t comment on whether it will be standard across the range or a paid-for extra.

Ford Ranger PHEV: Pricing and Availability

With a launch date 18 months away, there isn’t much detail on pricing or specification for the Ranger PHEV, but, as with any plug-in variant, expect it to carry a premium over the regular diesel.

Ford says the plug-in hybrid Ranger will be offered in a range of trims to cater for a broad range of customer needs and should be available on its most popular variants, including Wildtrak.

Order books for the new Ranger PHEV will open in mid-2024, with customer deliveries beginning in early 2025.