Ford has released key details of the three-model Ranger PHEV line-up ahead of its midyear launch.
Annaliese Atina, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand, commented “The addition of PHEV to the Ranger line-up marks the first time that New Zealand’s best-selling nameplate has been offered with an electrified plug-in hybrid option. We can’t wait for our customers to get behind the wheel.
“Our engineering and design team have created a plug-in hybrid that allows diesel ute buyers to begin their electrification journey without sacrificing any of the core capability that they need from a truck – whether they use it for work or play.
“The Ranger PHEV is just the tip of the spear for our commercial EV line-up, joining E-Transit Custom and E-Transit soon. If you are a Kiwi business wanting to explore whether an electrified vehicle is right for you, we will have three incredibly capable vehicles on offer to suit your needs.”
The Ranger PHEV line-up will consist of three variants; XLT, Wildtrak, and a special launch edition dubbed Stormtrak.
Respective RRPs are:
Ranger PHEV XLT $82,990
Ranger PHEV Wildtrak $89,990
Ranger PHEV Stormtrak $94,990
Ranger PHEV comprises a 138kW/411Nm 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol IL4 with a 75kW electric motor and 11.8kWh battery. The total system output is 207kW and 697Nm, the latter at 2500rpm.
A new Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) integrates Ranger PHEV’s e-motor between the engine and transmission, allowing for a range of hybrid and EV modes. The lithium-ion battery is sited between specially designed frame rails underneath the rear load box.
The MHT and a two-speed mechanical transfer case give the Ranger PHEV the same off-road ability as the existing Ranger line-up.
Ranger PHEV’s MHT also incorporates regenerative braking. This system is activated by decelerating (either by a throttle lift or applying the brake).
Its full-time 4WD system is the same as that in the Ranger 3.0L V6 Turbodiesel. That means 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L as available modes of operation. In 4A, the system varies power to the front wheels for optimum performance for all on-road conditions. It also features a locking rear differential for rugged terrain.
Being a PHEV, its claimed combined fuel economy is the best of any Ranger at 2.8L/100km (64g/km). Owners just need to remember to plug in each night, like they do with their cellphone. Otherwise, economy won’t be as good.
“The power to unlock incredible fuel saving is in the hands of owners”, said Dave Herbert, Ford’s Commercial Marketing Manager. He added that Ranger PHEV’s drive modes give owners the ability to complete entire trips without using the combustion engine. Or they can save the battery for stop-start traffic. Its electric-only range is 43km.
Ranger PHEV benefits from a ‘Sport’ drive mode. This engages the hybrid system to deliver as much power and torque as possible with a sharp throttle calibration.
All three variants of Ranger PHEV comes with the ‘high output’ 6.9kW Pro Power Onboard system as standard. It uses the 11.8kWh battery to provide energy for worksite equipment, campsites, or even a caravan from one of three power outlets.
Phil Millar, Chief Program Engineer of Ford Ranger PHEV, said “A Ranger PHEV owner can plug virtually anything they might want to power directly into the vehicle itself.
“With 15-amp sockets in the tray, that’s equivalent to having a powered caravan park site with you anywhere you might want to explore.
“We’ve engineered Pro Power Onboard for maximum convenience in real-world situations. It even functions with the car locked and when it is plugged in to charge. If the battery depletes, the engine then kicks in to keep everything running.”
Sockets can be used simultaneously provided they don’t draw more than 6.9kW.
There are four EV Drive Modes, allowing flexibility in how the vehicle’s hybrid powertrain is used.
In Auto EV, the system prioritises maximum power or efficiency, depending on driver demands. This is for normal daily driving.
In EV Now, the system will only use battery power and provide maximum fuel saving.
If you want to save the battery for later, or Pro Power Onboard use, EV Later prioritises the combustion engine to maintain the Ranger’s current state of battery charge.
EV Charge turns the combustion engine into a generator to replenish the battery. For example, on a journey where Pro Power Onboard is needed for camping duties later, this keeps the battery fully juiced.
Not only does the Ranger PHEV maintain the 3500kg braked towing capability of most Rangers but XLT can also tote up to 973kg of payload. A new load box means its tray length exceeds 1600mm and so Ranger PHEV can take two European pallets. Payload figures for the Wildtrak and Stormtrak PHEV models are 885kg and 808kg, respectively.
Ranger PHEV also comes with Ford’s integrated trailer brake controller. The vehicle’s ESC system factors in the trailer’s brakes and can activate them as needed.
A Trailer Light Check is standard across the range, while Pro Trailer Back-Up Assist is fitted to the top two models.
Ranger PHEV not only has a unique visual wheel design, but they’re also wider than standard. A bespoke tyre has been developed to carry higher loads to manage the incremental weight of the battery pack while maintaining payload and handling ability.
Ranger PHEV also features an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) to let pedestrians know a quiet vehicle is approaching. The system is active up to 30kph when the engine is not operating.
A high voltage electric air conditioning and heating system is required to ensure optimum operating conditions, including when the petrol engine is off.
