Currently reading: New Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid pick-up headed for UK in 2025

UK’s first PHEV pick-up gets highest torque figure of any Ranger, on-board generator and automatic ULEZ detector

The Ford Ranger PHEV has been revealed as the UK’s first plug-in hybrid pick-up, targeting small- and medium-sized business owners with wide-reaching chassis and technology upgrades, a competitive EV-only range figure and a hefty performance boost.

Production of the first electrified Ranger will begin in 2024, with European deliveries scheduled for the start of 2025. It is only the second zero-emission-capable pick-up so far confirmed for the UK, joining the all-electric Maxus T90EV

Ford has worked to match the characteristics of the current Ranger, giving it the same one-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity and the highest torque figure of any model in the Ranger's eight-strong line-up – although Ford has not given precise figures.

Power comes from Ford's 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder petrol engine, boosted by a "relatively large" electric motor for a total output likely to eclipse that of any pure-combustion Ranger, including the 288bhp V6-engined Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford would not disclose the exact size of the electric motor's battery, but said it will offer “more than” 27 miles of electric-only range. The Ford Kuga PHEV, which has a comparable electric-only range, uses a 14.4kWh battery. The Ranger’s battery will support AC charging only.

A PHEV powertrain was chosen over a pure-EV option, such as that of the US-market Ford F-150 Lightning, because – according to Matt Reilly, global chief strategist for the Ranger platform – it will "promote off-road use without the dependance on charging infrastructure, and future-proof the Ranger around the globe to meet tightening emissions regulations and EU green zone compliance.” 

2023 Ford ranger phev charging

He added that it was “the only technology” available right now that meets the requirements of Ranger customers. 

Drivers can choose between one of four driving modes: EV Auto, where the engine cuts in when needed; EV Now, solely using electric power; EV Later, which uses the engine only, so that the electric charge is saved; and EV Charge, which uses part of the engine as a generator to charge the battery on the move.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Ford’s European-market performance pick-up has sensational Baja rally-style thrills, and more on-road pace and appeal than its predecessor

Back to top

To support the added weight of the hybrid system, Ford has given the chassis extra bracing and stronger suspension, and recalibrated the engine and steering to make it feel lighter but still similiar to the current car.

Targeting owners of small- and medium-sized businesses, it will be available with Pro Power - an on-board generator with three interior power outlets for use on a remote worksite or when camping. This is likely to be standard, although Ford will finalise this closer to the car's 2024 market launch.

The model will also come with geofencing technology, whereby it will automatically detect when it enters a low-emission zone and switch to electric power, then return to the default EV Auto mode as it exits.

Ford did not disclose pricing but said it will “make sure it is in the sweet spot to uphold values and capability”. The company has not said whether it will launch a hybrid version of the entry-level single-cab Ranger. 

As for whether Ford could introduce a hybrid version of the hardcore Ranger Raptor, Ford commercial vehicle marketing manager Chris Rushton suggested it hasn’t been ruled out: "We will make sure the PHEV is available on those derivatives which are our most popular globally and especially with the European customer in mind.”

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Jonathan Bryce

Jonathan Bryce
Title: Social Media Executive

Jonathan is Autocar's social media executive. He has held this position since December 2024, having previously studied at the University of Glasgow before moving to London to become an editorial apprentice and pursue a career in motoring journalism. 

His role at work involves running all of Autocar's social media channels, including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. 

Join the debate

Comments
4
Add a comment…
sbagnall 19 September 2023
This'll leave the pikeys scratching their greasy heads.
CarNut170 19 September 2023

What a load of rubbish. Not a BEV to promote off road use.

If they were promoting off road use they would use a diesel engine which has massively more low end grunt than the 2.3 ecoboost. Something like the Lion V6 with their CVT hybrid gearbox would have worked (if their hybrid CVT gearbox was actually up o any sort of abuse whatsoever).

Ford tough? Pull the other one.

Peter Cavellini 19 September 2023

Switching from hybrid to EV go or come out of a pollution zone see a great idea, is this new or old news?