Ford Ranger Goes Hybrid: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Plug-In Model

Experience the next evolution of the Ranger: A powerful hybrid workhorse with up to 45km of electric range and innovative Pro Power Onboard technology

Ford is set to redefine the dual-cab ute market with the introduction of the 2025 Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Set to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2025, this Ranger variant combines a traditional petrol engine with electric power, offering a blend of efficiency and capability. Here's a breakdown of what we know so far.

 

Hybrid Powertrain and Performance

The Ranger PHEV is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and an 11.8 kWh battery pack. This setup allows for "over 45km" of electric-only driving range. Ford's data indicates that this range should cover the daily needs of more than half of their customers, based on tracking data from June 2022 to September 2023 which shows that almost half of Ranger owners travel less than 40km a day.

Some sources indicate Ford was targeting 270kW of power and 680Nm of torque during development. While official combined figures haven't been released, the electric motor will develop 75kW. Note that the 2.3-liter turbo-petrol engine without hybrid tech in the VW Amarok Aventura makes 222kW and 452Nm, so if the petrol engine is not detuned for the PHEV, a theoretical combined total of 297kW would outgun even a Ranger Raptor (292kW). The vehicle retains a 3,500kg braked towing capacity and utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, with power delivered to all four wheels.

A modular hybrid transmission (MHT) integrates the electric motor between the engine and the 10-speed automatic. This design includes a separator clutch that allows the torque from the engine to blend with torque from the e-motor, or it can decouple the systems to allow petrol or electric only drive. The MHT adds 160mm to the transmission's overall length.

Pro Power Onboard and Drive Modes

One of the most exciting features for tradies and outdoor enthusiasts is the Pro Power Onboard system, which provides up to 6.9kW of external power through one 2.3kW outlet in the cabin and two 3.45kW plugs in the tray. This feature essentially turns the Ranger PHEV into a mobile generator, capable of running power tools and other equipment at a work site or campsite.

Drive Modes

The Ranger PHEV offers four hybrid-specific drive modes:

• Auto EV: Selects the most efficient mix of internal combustion and electric power.
• Regen: Uses the vehicle's kinetic energy during deceleration to charge the battery.
• EV Now: Operates solely on electric power, shutting off the internal combustion engine.
• EV Later: Primarily uses the internal combustion engine, saving the battery for later use.

There is also an EV charge mode, which uses the 2.3L internal combustion engine to charge the battery through the hybrid system. When the battery runs low, the Ranger PHEV automatically switches to Auto EV mode, operating like a regular hybrid.

 

Trims and Special Editions

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain will be available in XLT, Sport, and Wildtrak variants. A limited-edition Stormtrak model will also be available at launch, featuring unique grey paint, black 18-inch wheels, a tweaked front grille and front wheel-arch vents, side body decals, matrix LED headlights, a 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and "unique interior materials". It also gains the Flexible Rack System, which is a sliding 'sailplane' sports bar that can double as a load rack.

Pricing and Availability

While official pricing hasn't been announced, expect the Ranger PHEV to command a premium over its non-hybrid counterparts, potentially placing it in the same price range as the Ranger Raptor. The vehicle will be produced in South Africa, which means it will be subject to a 5% import tariff in Australia. However, if it arrives before April 2025, it will be eligible for a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption on plug-in hybrid vehicles in novated lease purchases.

Impact and Competition

The Ford Ranger PHEV is poised to be a significant player in the Australian ute market, aligning with increasing demand for more efficient vehicles, especially from fleets and councils with strict emission targets.

Conclusion

The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV represents a significant step towards electrification in the popular ute segment. With its combination of petrol and electric power, practical features like Pro Power Onboard, and traditional Ranger capabilities such as towing and four-wheel drive, it has the potential to redefine what a dual-cab ute can be.