Should Ford sell this PHEV Ranger in the U.S.?
You’ve heard our bleating little complaint before: Why does Europe get all the cool stuff? That isn’t really the case, of course, but it kind of seems that way when we see products like the first plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger, which starts production in late 2024 with deliveries in early 2025.
“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will help customers step forward into an electrified future, with more confidence and capability than ever before, while keeping Ranger at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the mid-size pickup truck segment,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
The Hybrid will deliver more torque than any other Ranger by combining the 2.3-liter Ford EcoBoost gas engine (we’ve changed that from “petrol”) with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system—also enabling it to be driven in pure electric mode for a targeted driving range of more than 45 kilometers, known to millions as 28 miles. “Pure electric drive capability opens new possibilities for business owners in growing numbers of towns and cities with low emissions zones,” Ford says.
The maximum braked towing capacity of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is a targeted 7016 pounds, or 3,500 kilograms.
Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will also offer Pro Power Onboard, enabling customers to power their power tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets in both the cargo bed as well as the cabin. “That means noisy, bulky, heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment.” The Ranger Plug-In Hybrid also comes equipped with four-wheel drive and selectable drive modes.
“Our customers want electrified vehicles that deliver strong performance and affordable cost of ownership without compromising what they love about their truck,” Schep said. “The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family—offering customers zero-tailpipe emission EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible off-road, payload and towing capabilities. And, with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners can power their work sites and campsites easily.”
No word yet when and if the electrified Ranger will be sold in the U.S., and what the European price is, which just saves us the trouble of having to look up the conversion rate. The U.S. 2024 Ranger starts at $34,160, including shipping.
Should Ford consider adapting this powertrain setup for the North American Ranger as well? Let us know in the comments.
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Build it? Yes.
But it needs more payload.
Towing 7,016lbs is great, but without a 1,200 lbs payload, you’re going solo and with no gear. 1/2 tons do the same. Payload is so low you can barely get 10% tongue weight and a passenger.
Yes! Perfect fleet truck. Or I-want-a-truck-but-don’t-need-a-half-ton truck.
As I have seen hybrid age I am seeing the worst of both worlds.
As you rack up miles I have seen the gas engines have issues and turbo issues on often underpowered units. None are cheap to repair.
Even worse I see more electrical issues and even battery replacements that are far from inexpensive.
I am of a mind of one tech or the other and no duel roles. Either go ICE or all EV but this half and half appears to be a formula for more costly and expensive cars to repair and keep on the road.
Should they sell it? Why not it will sell to someone. I have no interest in plug in hybrids.
Yes! This is definitely the way to go now until the electrical infrastructure catches up with the auto manufacturers. You get better MPG, lower emissions, better performance and no range anxiety.
My next vehicle will be a plug-in hybrid. I was considering a Ford Ranger last year. While my vehicle was in the shop for service I rented a Ranger at the Ford dealer. What an awful experience!!!! CHEAP is the word for this truck. The doors and latches squeaked while opening and closing. The controls felt like junk. The truck rattled going down the road and the ride was either too harsh on small bumps or too soft and wallowing over big bumps. Hard to believe in this day and age such a horrible product got out the door!!! Then the service department changed and after three tries to get same day service for a minor item, I gave up on the dealer. Sorry Ford, I won’t be buying another of your products.
Terrible contractor truck as built. It needs the back half of the cab eliminated and the bed extended. Why is it so hard to get a truck like that anymore?
Hybrid Ranger, Absolutely, the sooner the better!!!
I have been waiting a good while for the Ranger Hybrid. It will fit my needs perfectly. Very disappointed it’s not coming to the U.S. I am loyal to Ford but alas, I now may have to buy a Tacoma hybrid or a Jeep hybrid. Ford, please reconsider.