Tuesday 19th September 2023

Ford confirms first Ranger PHEV

Plug in power gives Ranger electric running - and the ability to charge tools...

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It takes all of five seconds in an electric van to see the advantages for commercial vehicles of EV power. It’s so much quicker, easier, and quieter than diesel. But, crucially, they won’t go as far, which is problematic if work takes your van outside the city. A PHEV ought to work as a really nice compromise, for now, for those done with diesel but not yet able to embrace EV. So Ford is going to build one: the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid.

It's a rare breed, the plug-in pick-up, so it’ll be interesting to see how buyers take to the Ranger. It’s going to be powered by a 2.3-litre Ecoboost petrol and battery combo; there’s no word yet on battery capacity, let alone charging, but the aim is for around 28 miles of electric range. Which ought to be enough for whichever low emissions zone is encountered. Driving modes will be configured to allow charge to be stored for when it’s required later in the journey.

To all intents and purposes, the PHEV is going to be a lot like any other Ranger as a commercial vehicle. Ford is aiming for the same 3,500kg maximum braked towing capacity, plus four-wheel drive ought to take it as far off the beaten track as the next project requires. And if that all sounds a little vague for now, that’s because it is - the Ranger plug-in won’t go into production until the end of next year, with sales kicking off in 2025, so there are still a few details to be finalised.

What has been confirmed, however, is Pro Power Onboard as an optional extra. There will be power outlets in the cargo bed and cabin, meaning ‘high-draw’ power tools and appliances can be plugged into the truck as opposed to having to lug around a generator as well. Customers will also be able to take advantage of the Ford Pro ‘ecosystem of solutions’, which will help with finding chargers, keeping software updated and so on.

“Our customers want electrified vehicles that deliver strong performance and affordable cost of ownership without compromising what they love about their truck,” said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro in Europe. “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.” Wonder if the same battery could provide a boost for the Raptor in time - it is a little down on power, after all…

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[mylesmcd]

Now the lad that forgets to charge his tools, wont even be at work!

[dunnoreally]

It'll sell. Lifestylers will like the cost saving pootling round town, people who need them for work will appreciate the inevitable tax reduction. Probably a good number of both who fancied a truck but couldn't justify it until this came along. Vehicle interests me about as much as a compulsory works presentation on a piece of software I'm never going to use, but that doesn't mean it's not a complete no-brainer for Ford.

Crew cabs on Euro-sized trucks will still always look ridiculous, though. I get that they're practical, but those proportions...

[Konan]

From what I'm told from people they have trialed some pure EV commercials is there's a complete impracticality when towing. A lot of them have GTW issues and when you can stay under that, in the reality of slightly cold weather you can see them achieve just 1/3rd of their unladen range. Talking about pushing your luck expecting them being able to do anything other than move plant around in the same postcode.

Looks like the PHEV will be king for a while yet in some areas.

[South tdf]

We have a PHEV Transit Custom in our company fleet and it’s an odd thing. Mainly because it’s an electric van with a 1.0 petrol generator but overall it’s nippy but seems to cost a lot in fuel and I don’t think anyone has ever plugged it in which will be the case with these.

[Konan]

South tdf said:

We have a PHEV Transit Custom in our company fleet and it’s an odd thing. Mainly because it’s an electric van with a 1.0 petrol generator but overall it’s nippy but seems to cost a lot in fuel and I don’t think anyone has ever plugged it in which will be the case with these.

I guess that's an addition to everyone rolling in on Fumes last thing on Friday because they don't want to lose ten minutes filling up!

[nismo48]

mylesmcd said:

Now the lad that forgets to charge his tools, wont even be at work!

very true

[Mammasaid]

dunnoreally said:

It'll sell. Lifestylers will like the cost saving pootling round town, people who need them for work will appreciate the inevitable tax reduction. Probably a good number of both who fancied a truck but couldn't justify it until this came along. Vehicle interests me about as much as a compulsory works presentation on a piece of software I'm never going to use, but that doesn't mean it's not a complete no-brainer for Ford.

Crew cabs on Euro-sized trucks will still always look ridiculous, though. I get that they're practical, but those proportions...

The only gotcha for these may be the unladen weight. It'll have to be under 2,500kg in order to take advantage of the HMRC rates for commercial vehicles (actually 2425kg to account for a hardtop), the current 2.0l diesel is 2,243kg so not a lot to play with.

[GroundEffect]

nismo48 said:

mylesmcd said:

Now the lad that forgets to charge his tools, wont even be at work!

very true

Typical electric tools (let's say 5x) would be 0.1kWh to charge. This has a 14kWh battery - I don't think loosing <100th of the battery is too much of a concern

Oh and it might have an engine!

[Avdb]

Interesting. I might change my diesel Raptor to a Hybrid Raptor when available.

[Pflanzgarten]

A PHEV utility work vehicle would be high on my priorities, day to day I can easily work covering less than 60 miles but every so often you need the range and capacity that only a ICE can provide.

[Mr Fix It]

I didn't know it was that dangerous to use a plug. Will have to dig out my safety specs as I fancy a cuppa...

Edited by Mr Fix It on Friday 22 September 07:52

[jamieduff1981]

I really liked my 3.2 Ranger, but it was a thirsty beast. Actually a 28 mile electric range from plugging in but the ability to just run on fuel for longer distances or towing sounds pretty good to me, although I doubt I could afford one nowadays.

[BogBeast]

Meh, 28 miles of electric only is underwhelming and likely to be quite a lot less in the real world. They really need to put a bigger battery in and preferably DC charging.