Electric-powered Ford Ranger journey reaches 43 kilometers
The **Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid** is a groundbreaking addition to Ford's pickup truck lineup, offering a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and environmental benefits. This innovative vehicle boasts a payload capacity of up to one tonne and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg, maintaining the robust qualities expected of a Ranger pickup [1].
### Hybrid-Specific Drive Modes
Four main hybrid drive modes, accessible via a center console button, cater to different usage scenarios. These modes include Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge, each designed to optimise the balance between electric and petrol power, traction, and efficiency [2]. The Auto EV mode intelligently switches between electric and petrol power for the best overall efficiency, while EV Now allows for silent, zero-emission driving in noise-sensitive environments [2]. EV Later conserves battery charge for later use, and EV Charge uses the petrol engine to recharge the battery while driving, extending electric range for later use [1][2].
### Traditional and Off-Road Drive Modes
In addition to the hybrid-specific modes, the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid features several familiar driving modes carried over from the conventional Ranger models. These modes adjust traction control, throttle response, and transmission behaviour to excel in different conditions, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand [1][3].
### Four-Wheel Drive System
The Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is equipped with a full-time 4WD system featuring an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with settings including 2H (two-wheel high), 4A (automatic four-wheel drive), 4H (four-wheel high), and 4L (four-wheel low) for severe off-road or towing situations [1][3]. A rear differential lock enhances capabilities on challenging off-road terrain.
### Performance and Utility Benefits
The combination of drive modes and hybrid system controls allows drivers to tailor the vehicle's character and capability precisely to the task at hand. This results in optimised powertrain performance, efficiency, and traction across a wide range of environments — from silent electric urban driving and fuel-saving highway cruising to demanding off-road or towing tasks [2][3].
### Additional Features
The Ford Pro Power Onboard system is now available in the Ranger lineup, providing up to 6.9 kilowatts of power [1]. The Ranger Plug-In Hybrid's system power is 207 kW (281 PS), and its maximum torque is 697 Nm [1]. The top speed of the vehicle is 180 km/h, and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds [1]. The Ranger Plug-In Hybrid's powertrain combines a 138 kW (188 PS) 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo gasoline engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 75 kW (102 PS) electric motor, and a 11.8 kWh net capacity battery [1].
The battery can be recharged via an external power source, the internal combustion engine, or regenerative braking. With a single-phase 16-amp charger, the battery can be fully charged in less than four hours, providing the vehicle with an electric range of up to 43 kilometers [1]. The fuel consumption of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is rated at 3.1 l/100 km, and the electric consumption is rated at 23.2 kWh/100 km [1].
Production of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid for Europe began in June in South Africa [1]. Each Ranger Plug-In Hybrid variant comes with a double cab with five seats and a robust load box that can accommodate a Euro pallet between the wheel arches [1]. Business customers can use the Ford Pro Home Charging solution to charge the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid's battery pack during off-peak hours with cheaper electricity tariffs, potentially saving around 1,000 euros per year compared to a similar diesel model [1].
The new Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid has a WLTP-estimated electric driving range of over 40 kilometers [1]. The Plug-In Hybrid model is priced from 69,008.10 euros in Germany and is available in the Stormtrak special edition, Wildtrak, and XLT trim levels [1].
Sources: [1] Ford Media Centre, 2023. Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid. [online] Available at: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/en/vehicles/2023/ranger/2023-ford-ranger-plug-in-hybrid.html [2] Ford Europe, 2023. Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid. [online] Available at: https://www.ford.co.uk/cars/ranger/ranger-plug-in-hybrid/ [3] Autocar, 2023. Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid review. [online] Available at: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/ranger-plug-in-hybrid
- The Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid offers four hybrid-specific drive modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge, each designed to optimize the balance between electric and petrol power, traction, and efficiency.
- The Ranger Plug-In Hybrid also features traditional and off-road drive modes similar to conventional Ranger models, such as Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, adjusting traction control, throttle response, and transmission behavior.
- The vehicle is equipped with a full-time 4WD system featuring an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with settings including 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L for off-road or towing situations, and a rear differential lock for enhancing capabilities on challenging off-road terrain.
- The Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid's electric range is up to 43 kilometers, and it can be recharged via an external power source, the internal combustion engine, or regenerative braking. With a single-phase 16-amp charger, the battery can fully charge in less than four hours.
