Ford has confirmed it’s working on a plug-in hybrid Ranger ute.
A Ford Europe spokesperson this morning confirmed the Blue Oval’s commercial vehicle range, including the Ranger ute, will be “zero-emission capable” by 2024.
“We know there is growing appetite among Australian consumers for EVs and hybrid vehicles,” Ford Australia said in a statement.
“However, it’s too early to discuss what impacts the Ford of Europe move will have on other markets, including Australia.”
Although the Euro Ranger is built in South Africa, not Thailand like the local model, Ford Australia’s starring role in the Ranger’s development puts us in a strong position to take a full range of engines when the new-generation ute launches.
Ford of Europe’s statement confirms exclusive CarExpert reports the next-generation Ford Ranger and Everest will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
It’s unlikely to be available at launch in Australia, but the Ranger is expected to be offered with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid system.
The Ranger and Everest PHEV will produce around 270kW of power and 680Nm of torque, and is expected to offer a combined fuel economy of 3.0L/100km.
Our understanding is the plug-in hybrid engine is yet to be used in any Ford products globally.
Currently, the Explorer PHEV uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 and electric motor, while the Escape PHEV uses a smaller 2.5-litre four-cylinder in combination with an electric motor.
The Ranger and Everest are expected to launch with an overhauled engine range beyond just the PHEV.
The entry-level engine is expected to be a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, while a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine will be available in high-end variants.
A 2.7-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is also likely to feature in the Ranger Raptor.
Revealed last year, the range-topping Bronco is available with a second-generation Nano 2.7-litre EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine.
CarExpert expects the same engine to feature in the next-generation Ranger Raptor.
It outputs 231kW of power and 540Nm and torque, mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive.
That’s a jump of 74kW and 40Nm on what’s offered by the current Ranger Raptor.
As for why the Ranger is going plug-in hybrid? In a move that could have a big impact on Australia, Ford of Europe has committed to selling electric-only passenger cars by 2030.
As part of its transition to an all EV lineup, Ford says by the middle of 2026 all of the models in its European range will be capable of zero tailpipe emissions, meaning every vehicle will have at least a plug-in hybrid or electric drivetrain.
Currently Ford Australia’s passenger car range features the Escape, Puma, Fiesta ST, and Focus, all of which are sourced from European factories.
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