Ford has launched the new Ranger Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) pickup, offering electric driving capability, serious towing and payload capacity, and a host of new tech aimed at dual-use owners and small businesses.

“Ford knows pickups. Now we’ve combined decades of know-how, input from the customers that use Ranger for work and play every day, and innovative hybrid technology to create the Ranger PHEV,” said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro, Europe. “Ranger PHEV can do everything Ranger does, with the added benefit of versatile electric power for more torque than ever, driving with zero tailpipe emissions in the city or running a worksite in the wilderness.”

Ford Ranger XLT PHEV

Ford Ranger PHEV: Plug-in power

Now arriving with customers across Europe, the Ranger PHEV marks the first time Ford has offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain in its pickup range. Built at Ford’s Silverton plant in South Africa, it combines a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW (102hp) electric motor and 11.8kWh usable battery – enough to deliver up to 27 miles of electric-only range, and sufficient to cover all the driving needs of more than half of Ranger owners.

An output of 281hp and a torque figure of 697Nm makes the PHEV the most powerful Ranger yet, besting the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel on both counts. Ford says the setup supports full towing capability of 3,500kg and payloads up to one tonne, meeting the needs of more than half of Ranger owners who regularly tow.

Electric drive is supported by four selectable EV modes, including an ‘EV Now’ setting for zero-emission driving, and ‘EV Charge’ to top up the battery using the engine. Drivers also benefit from regenerative braking, which enhances downhill control and restores charge on the move.

The battery can be charged in under four hours using a regular wallbox, and with daily charging, Ford claims PHEV owners could save hundreds of pounds a year in fuel versus diesel alternatives.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV
Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV

Hybrid power: Rugged and useful

The dual-cab layout remains, as does selectable e-4WD with low-range gearing and a locking rear diff. Drive modes include everything from Eco and Sport to Mud/Ruts and Sand, letting the PHEV tackle tough terrain as confidently as its diesel siblings.

Underneath, the PHEV gets a revised rear chassis setup to house the traction battery without compromising load bed size. Although the floor of the bed is a little higher, there’s still space between the wheel arches for a Euro pallet.

It also introduces Pro Power Onboard to the Ranger line-up for the first time. This turns the vehicle into a mobile generator, allowing owners to run tools, appliances or leisure gear directly from the pickup. Two systems are available: a 2.3kW setup for lighter loads, and a 6.9kW version that can power a small worksite, including items like an angle grinder and cement mixer at the same time.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV
Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV

Three trim levels

Ford has launched the Ranger PHEV in three trims: XLT, Wildtrak, and a special-edition Stormtrak model. All versions include a 12-inch vertical touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4A software, a digital instrument cluster, and a wireless phone charging pad as standard.

Wildtrak adds heated seats and a heated steering wheel, plus 360-degree zone lighting for campsite or worksite illumination.

Stormtrak adds more tech and comfort upgrades, including Matrix LED headlights and the Flexible Rack System for carrying long loads.

A full range of accessories is also available, from canopies and bed covers to roof tents and racking. On the towing front, optional tech includes Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplifies reversing with a trailer via a control knob and on-screen guidance.

Ford Ranger XLT PHEV interior dashboard
Ford Ranger XLT PHEV

Ford Ranger PHEV pricing and availability

The new Ford Ranger PHEV starts from £39,500 plus VAT and charges for the entry-level XLT model. The dual-purpose Wildtrak trim is priced at £44,900, just £2,550 more than the 2.0-litre diesel model and £1,000 lower than the 3.0-litre V6-powered model.

The special Stormtrak edition carries a £49,800 price tag, making it the most expensive Ranger this side of the MS-RT and Raptor sports models.

ModelTrimBasic PriceOTR ex VATOTR inc VAT
Ford Ranger PHEVXLT£39,500£48,841£48,929
Ford Ranger PHEVWildtrak£44,900£46,241£55,409
Ford Ranger PHEVStormtrak£49,800£51,141£61,289
Phil Huff