The Ford Ranger PHEV plug-in hybrid pickup truck has made its official global public debut at the 2024 IAA van show in Hannover ahead of first deliveries in spring 2025.
The Ford Ranger will be the first pickup truck to come with a PHEV version, with the production model set to offer 27 miles of electric only range and 690Nm of torque from its engine and motor combination.
The fact that Ford is offering a PHEV version is not the biggest shock, given that Ford has put similar powertrains into several other commercial vehicles, including the 2024 Transit Custom, but it is still the first time that you will be able to get a hybrid pickup of any sort.
At the launch at the IAA, Ford confirmed that the PHEV truck will come with a bespoke Stormtrak launch edition trim, which will come with several elements to set it apart. This includes a Stormtrak design, with 18-inch alloy wheels, a honeycomb grille, extra vents and a decal kit. It will also get a new grey colour that is only offered on this version, and kit including LED headlights, a flexible rack system, trailer reversing assist and a 360-degree camera. It is also said to have unique interior materials.
Ford says that the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will offer many of the features of the diesel equivalents, saying that it will be able to get over the 1,000kg payload marker that is crucial for UK buyers as it allows pickups to be classified as a commercial vehicle and therefore benefit from the advantageous van tax system. It will also be able to maintain the Ford Ranger’s reputation for being one of the best pickup trucks for towing, with a 3.5-tonne capability.
What powertrain is in the plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger?
While Ford is not taking a big leap into the unknown by offering a PHEV version of one of its biggest-selling commercial vehicles, it has taken a slightly different approach by not just slotting in the same engine and battery combo as features elsewhere in its range. The Transit Custom features the same 2.5-litre petrol engine and battery/motor setup as several of Ford’s passenger car range, but the Ranger will come with a 2.3-litre petrol engine.
Ford says that this is because the version with the 2.5-litre engine isn’t geared up to offer the necessary off-roading ability or the towing strength that the Ranger customers demand.
The battery is an 11.8kWh unit that is paired to a 101hp electric motor. Drivers will be able to maximise their electric range with a selection of driving modes – Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later or EV Charge.
As well as the 27-mile electric range, Ford has confirmed that the Ranger PHEV will offer 690Nm of torque, which is more than any other Ranger on sale. It says that the battery can be recharged to full in four hours, while it can also plug in tools on board, with up to 6.9kW of power available.
It has said that it has opted for petrol rather than diesel because the electric motor provides the torque that a diesel would normally offer at low speeds. In fact, it says that the PHEV offers more pulling power than any other Ranger. It says that it also provides other benefits, such as silent driving at lower speeds early in the morning, and improved driveability.
How is the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid different to a diesel?
Ford has factored the plug-in hybrid powertrain into the Ranger from the start, but there are still some modifications required. There is additional bracing on the rear frame to support the extra components, Ford has installed heavy duty suspension and it has tuned the steering system. The engine has been calibrated to work with the motor, too.
Ford has also gone big on the external power sockets, with three 10A outlets – one in the cabin and two in the loading bay. These are capable of turning the Ranger into a mobile generator, as you can plug heavy duty power tools into them while out on location.
How much is the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid and when can I buy one?
The plug-in hybrid Ranger is due to start production at the end of 2024, with the first versions set to head out to customers in early 2025.
Given how far off this is at the point of the PHEV’s announcement, Ford has yet to announce pricing. We’ll bring you more information when we have it.
