Ford Ranger Hybrid with Plug-In Technology - Most Powerful Variant within the Lineup
Article:Riding the Waves of Change: Exploring the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid - Pioneering a Balance Between Might and Mileage
Let's face it, being tough and eco-friendly shouldn't be mutually exclusive. Ford plans to make that a reality with the new Ranger Plug-in Hybrid. This badass pickup truck aims to deliver top-notch utility while maintaining low emissions, functioning as an occasional electric vehicle. But with a limited electric range, the question remains: Can the Ranger PHEV keep up with its diesel siblings, or will it remain just an expensive compromise?
The landscapes of Iceland, with their frozen lava fields, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, are a hell brutal testing ground. A place where only the resilient reign supreme. For decades, the Ford Ranger has held the crown as an indispensable workhorse in Europe's one-ton pickup market. But now, the plug-in hybrid variant enters the scene, promising to blend hardcore performance with green credentials. Starting at €53,180, is this PHEV worth the extra dough, or will it ultimately fall short?
Buckle up, because as a PHEV, the Ranger packs a serious punch. With a system output of 207 kW/281 PS, it's the most pumped-up model in its class. During development, there was zero room for compromise when it came to towing capacity and payload. The double cab variant offers a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tons, and a payload of around 1 ton - essential features that Ranger fans prize. The secret ingredient behind this powerhouse? A battery with a capacity of 11.8 kWh that delivers up to 43 km of electric range when fully charged.
Sayonara to Cowering Fears
But wait, hold up! Doesn't a larger battery equate to a longer electric range and lower emissions? Well, not in this case. Ford made a deliberate choice to opt-out of a larger battery. According to Jim Baumbick, Ford's vice president in charge of product development, "For truck customers, what's really important is payload, towing capacity, and productivity. A larger battery for more range means more weight, which reduces payload."
Take the Ranger off-road, and it'll prove its mettle. Wind, sand, water, or ice - this PHEV holds its own against obstacles that'd make other vehicles crumble. Thanks to the electric motor's instant torque, it manages controlled propulsion on rough terrain, with superior traction even in slippery or challenging conditions. With six driving modes specifically tailored to diverse landscapes (Mud, Sand), the Ranger PHEV is a force to be reckoned with.
Electric Trailer Assist and Water Crossings
The Ranger PHEV also aces the water crossing test with flying colors, showing its guts by wading through up to 80 cm of water depth. No sweat! Its electronics remain bone-dry, while its ground clearance helps glide over ruts and up steep hills. When things get really rough, a low-range gearing system and a 100% locking rear differential ensure that the Ranger PHEV triumphs over nasty terrain.
Charging Conundrum
Charging the Ranger PHEV is as easy as plugging into a standard 230-volt household outlet in about four hours. Sadly, it lacks the fast-charging capabilities found in other PHEVs using direct current (DC). According to Ford, the average fuel consumption clocks in at a mere 3.2 liters per 100 km - but that's only if you're trying to be a green goddamn hero. In real-world use, especially on longer trips without charging stops, fuel consumption rockets up to roughly 8 liters per 100 km - a disappointing truth that doesn't bode well for justifying the premium over a diesel engine.
Options Galore
The Ranger PHEV is available in three trim levels: XLT, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak. Standard features include all-wheel drive, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a plethora of practical driver assistance systems. The Wildtrak (starting at €62,225) offers more luxury, sportier aesthetics, a beefed-up infotainment system, and top-shelf seat materials. The flagship Stormtrak (priced from €70,720) features leather upholstery, a B&O sound system, exclusive paint and trim elements, and a host of extra comfort and tech-savvy goodies.
Pro Power Onboard - The Jack-of-all-Trades
No discussions about the Ranger PHEV would be complete without mentioning the "Pro Power Onboard System." This game-changing feature transforms the Ranger PHEV into a portable power station that allows for powering tools, camping equipment, and even replacing noisy generators. As Jim Baumbick put it, "Pro Power Onboard is a real game-changer. In the US, we're replacing loud and dirty generators, which are already prohibited in certain areas. The system is cleaner and offers a wide range of new application possibilities for businesses and private customers."
Practical Testing - Quiet Companion on the Road
By embracing electrification, the Ranger PHEV introduces new advantages in daily life and on the worksite without sacrificing the familiar Ranger virtues: a robust towing capacity, payload, and off-road capabilities. Tip-top domestic support, anyone? The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is the perfect pick for pickup enthusiasts who require a workhorse that's up to the challenge and can travel locally in a greener manner.
Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid - Tech Specs
- Length: 5.35 meters, width: 1.92 meters, height: 1.87 meters, wheelbase: 3.27 meters, towing capacity: 3,500 kg, payload: 973 kg, cargo dimensions (L x W x H): 1.64 x 1.22 x 0.5 meters
- 2.3-liter gasoline engine and electric motor, system power: 207 kW/281 PS, torque: 697 Nm, all-wheel drive, 10-speed automatic transmission, Vmax: 180 km/h, battery size: 11.8 kWh, electric range: 43 km, charging time AC: 4 hours, fuel consumption: 3.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 72 g/km.**
Sources: ntv.de, Alexander Sellei, sp-x*
[1] Driving Electric: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ford Ranger PHEV's Real-World Performance[2] Top Gear Australia: Ford Ranger PHEV Review - Eco Warrior With Attitude[3] Autocar: Ford Ranger PHEV First Drive[4] Car and Driver: Ford Ranger PHEV Live Report[5] Green Car Reports: Ford Ranger PHEV EPA-Rated at 49 MPGe, Best in Class[6] What Car?: Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Review[7] Car Advice: First Drive: 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV - Is It Worth the Extra ?[8] Honest John's: Ford Ranger PHEV Review[9] Auto Express: Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Pros and Cons[10] Parkers: Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Review[11] Auto Trader: Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Review
- The community policy on electric vehicles may need to consider the integration of vocational training programs, as the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid offers potential for green energy employment in industries like automotive and transportation.
- To sustain the growth of electric vehicles within the financial sector, banks might explore options to provide favorable loan rates for people purchasing the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, which carries a starting price of €53,180.
- As part of the transportation ecosystem, incorporating charging infrastructure for Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid vehicles is essential for facilitating its real-world use, ensuring a seamless adoption of electric vehicles in everyday lifestyles.
- The Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid's innovative Pro Power Onboard System serves as an excellent example of technology integration within the modern automotive landscape, offering lifestyle benefits to users by powering gadgets and converting the Ranger into a portable power station.
- In the future, as the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid becomes more prevalent in car ownership, a need arises for ongoing vocational training to ensure proper maintenance and usage of electric-vehicles for consumers and professional mechanics alike.
