Europe's Best-Selling Pick-Up Goes Electric

Ford's Ranger plug-in hybrid technology allows for up to 52 km of urban emission-free driving, reducing ownership costs while maintaining the towing, loading, and off-road capabilities expected by European customers. This new plug-in hybrid Ranger offers the full capability of Europe's best-selling pick-up, now enhanced by an advanced hybrid propulsion system that enables the use of electric power both on the road and at the worksite.

The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is available in an exclusive launch edition called Stormtrak, as well as in the XLT and the imposing Wildtrak versions. It introduces the Pro Power Onboard for the first time in the Ranger range, delivering up to 6.9 kW directly from the onboard battery for tools and leisure equipment.

The new plug-in hybrid propulsion system of the Ranger combines the 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission with a 75 kW electric motor and an 11.8 kWh (usable) lithium-ion traction battery. The battery can be recharged by connecting to an external power source, as well as through the petrol engine or by recovering energy during driving through inertia.

The battery takes less than four hours to recharge with a 16-amp single-phase charger, and with a full charge, the plug-in hybrid Ranger can travel up to 52 km in urban areas in fully electric mode, more than the daily distance covered by 52% of Ranger users, according to a Ford study.

When available, the Ford Pro system for home charging will allow owners to schedule recharging during cheaper night tariffs, further reducing the total cost of ownership. Ford's forecasts suggest that business customers could also benefit from significant cost savings: a plug-in hybrid Ranger customer in Germany could save 850 euros annually compared to the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel Ranger if charged daily with business electricity rates and covering 80 km per day.

The torque of up to 697 Nm, combined with the electric motor and the EcoBoost petrol engine, is the highest of any production Ranger to date, and the maximum power of 281 HP surpasses that of the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel Ranger. The high torque at low speeds and additional engine braking thanks to the pick-up's regenerative braking system facilitate acceleration and improve control on descents when carrying payloads of up to one tonne and towing up to 3,500 kg, a requirement for 55% of Ranger customers according to a Ford study. The near-instantaneous electric torque and enhanced engine braking also help optimise off-road capability and ease work in demanding conditions, such as rock crawling and steep inclines.

The Ranger plug-in hybrid's e-4WD system can automatically distribute torque between all four wheels, whether electrically, hybrid, or fuel-powered, to help tackle tough terrains or adapt to specific driving situations, supported by a dual-range transfer case and a rear differential lock. Drivers can choose between Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand modes, and the Plug-in Hybrid Ranger will adjust torque distribution among the wheels for optimal performance.

The Plug-in Hybrid Ranger is the first to offer Ford's Pro Power Onboard technology, meaning hard-working customers can leave their generators at home and power high-consumption tools and equipment with the traction battery.

Customers can specify a 2.3 kW system, ideal for supporting weekend trail excursions, with the capacity to comfortably recharge several electric mountain bikes (650 W) and a portable fridge (65 W) to make the most of the day.

A 6.9 kW system is designed to meet the demands of more energy-intensive equipment. This higher-power version features two 15 A outlets in the load box, with 3.45 kW available at each outlet, providing more than enough power to supply a small construction site with a compact cement mixer (1,500 W), an angle grinder (3,000 W), and floodlights (800 W) simultaneously.