Ford unveils new plug-in Ranger with 509lb ft

The more you think about the benefits of a plug-in pickup truck, the more surprising it is that Ford hasn’t embarked on a plug-in Ranger before now. An EV range of 27 miles (as is the stated aim for this one) is a useful amount if it will remain on site all day, and it can be used to power tools rather than rely on a generator. Add to that the additional pulling power of an electric motor, with the easy access range of petrol engine when required, and it all makes a great deal of sense.  

Still, better late than never, and here we have the Ranger PHEV from Ford Pro. Unlike a lot of the rest of the lineup, it combines the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol Ecoboost (as found in the Focus ST) with an 11.8kWh usable battery and 75kW electric motor. Total outputs are 279hp and a substantial 509lb ft of torque, giving the PHEV the most peak twist of any production Ranger model – Raptor included. Ford reckons the battery takes less than four hours to charge using a ‘single-phase 16 amp charger’, so isn’t one best suited to a quick volt and bolt – but again think about the use case; if this is plugged in during a working day or overnight, then it’s no problem. New drive modes including Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later or EV Charge – catchy, right – can prioritise or postpone electric running as required. 

The PHEV benefits from much the same load-lugging attributes as the standard Ranger, meaning a payload of up to a tonne (crucial for commercial vehicle status) and 3,500kg towing. There’s still e-4WD, a dual-range transfer box and rear diff lock for when the going gets tough. Speaking of which, the battery has been located ‘between specially engineered frame rails’ to keep good approach, breakover and departure angles. There seems precious little price to pay for plug-in’s additional usability (though it should be noted RRPs haven’t been announced yet). 

Pro Power Onboard, a new feature, will make any Ranger PHEV owner the most popular pickup driver in the yard; as well as making tool charging possible from the truck, it can supply a fridge and lights as well. Perfect thing for an early finish on a Friday. Or camping, as Ford suggests, doubtless with one eye on the burgeoning lifestyle market that the model appeals to. 

The PHEV will be built in South Africa, and will be available in XLT and Wildtrak specs; or, for those who are quick enough, in a Stormtrak launch edition exclusive to the plug-in. It brings model-specific external accents, 18-inch wheels, Matrix LED lights, a B&O sound system and Chill Grey paints that’s not available on any other Ranger. First deliveries are expected in the spring.

“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, the Blue Oval’s director for CVs in 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”.