The Ford Ranger has become the most popular pick-up truck in Europe and the UK and for good reason. It’s durable, it will go pretty much anywhere on road or off, has plenty of power and in double (crew) cab form makes for a great vehicle to transport the family and luggage on an exciting, get-away-from-it-all holiday as well as being a utilitarian workhorse.
Among many other brands and vehicle types the Ford Ranger (and other Ford products) can be exported from the UK to many global destinations including Kenya, Ireland and New Zealand via the unrivalled service provided by MHH International. You can find our current stock of new and used Ford vehicles here.
We reviewed the Ford Ranger back in 2022 but, moving with the time, Ford have now added a ‘PHEV’ version (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) to compliment the range. This is a good plan as it helps to reduce emissions and also augment towing, payload and off-road ability, plus uprating the power for off-grid work and dirt road play time. Here’s how:
About The Ford Ranger PHEV
As mentioned the Ford Ranger is the UK’s best-selling, no-compromise pick-up suitable for towing, payload and off-road performance but now with added electric-only driving ability. Up to a mighty 690Nm of torque, the most of any production Ranger, and an electric-only driving range of over 27 miles enhance the premium appeal. Further, this mighty truck 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 is introducing the new hybrid model as a ‘PHEV-exclusive’ ‘Stormtrak’ launch edition.
It delivers the benefits of electrification hand-in-hand with the hard-working performance that has built Ranger a loyal fanbase in Europe. Ford say that their first PHEV pickup in Europe is 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.
To make the case for this versatile vehicle Ford say that more than 200,000 Rangers have been sold in the UK since it was first launched making it a best-seller for this type of vehicle. The days are long gone when it was though that the pick-up truck was solely for use on building sites and farms.
The Plug-in Option
The introduction of a new ‘Plug-in Hybrid’ option 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 Ranger owners can have an even broader range of choices, thanks to this variant. It will be available from the Spring of 2025, say Ford.
The Power & Drive
The all-new ‘PHEV’ power-train combines Ford’s 2.3 litre ‘EcoBoost’ petrol engine and a 10‑speed automatic gearbox (yes, you read that right) 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 275bhp (279PS) this PHEV variant produces more power than a standard Ranger 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel while still using less fuel.
A new ‘Modular Hybrid Transmission’ integrates Ranger PHEV’s e-motor into the bell housing to enable hybrid driving. The battery takes less than four hours to charge using a single-phase 16 amp charger to deliver a targeted range of over 27 miles in electric-only mode. Great for local driving.
Despite, or thanks to, this technical advance, the Ford Ranger ‘PHEV’ offers the same hard-working performance that has earned diesel- and petrol-powered Ranger legions of devoted pick-up fans around the world. Ranger PHEV operators will continue to be able to carry a payload up to one metric tonne, tow up to 3,500kg and benefit from the off-road confidence delivered by Ranger’s latest 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, while retaining excellent ramp break-over and departure angles. The e-motor allows owners to utilise electric driving capability and drivers can choose when and how to use battery power using a variety of charge modes.
Drivers can also benefit from the electric motor’s regenerative braking and added torque when towing, moving heavier loads or negotiating demanding off-road scenarios such as rock crawls and steep inclines. Ford 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.
‘Pro Power Onboard’ technology supports working owners who with the ability to 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 for new orders buyers 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.
The ‘Stormtrak’ launch edition offers a high standard specification, including unique design features with 18 inch alloy wheels, a honeycomb grille, bumper (fender) vents and a decal kit to assure it can’t be confused with other brand’s pick-up offerings. There’s also Matrix LED headlamps, a ‘Flexible Rack System’, ‘Pro Trailer Backup Assist’ and a 360-degree camera as standard for maximum functionality. Passengers won’t be disappointed by the prestige cabin with 10-speaker Bang & Olafson sound system and premium interior materials. The pick-up truck as family vehicle; who would have thought it?
