Ford details Ranger PHEV expansion plans

The chances of the plug-in hybrid system in the Ford Ranger expanding beyond the four initial dual-cab 4x4 variants is being played down for now. 

The new Ford Ranger PHEV has launched in XLT, Sport, Wildtrak and Stormtrak trim levels, but Ford says utilising the driveline in further variants isn’t clear cut. 

A combination of technical issues and the appropriateness of the petrol-electric system for Ford models with specific roles are working against its expansion. 

For instance, the chances of the PHEV powertrain turning up in a Ford Ranger cab chassis are being minimised for now because of the high voltage battery pack and the fume capture system it employs.

In fact, Ford makes it abundantly clear it recommends against removing the load box from the Ranger PHEV and that such a move would potentially void aspects of the warranty. 

“All those things would need to be considered if there was any exploration into other body styles,” said Ford marketing chief, Ambrose Henderson. 

His colleague, Director Global Trucks for the Ford International Markets Group, Nat Manariti, offered a slightly more positive tone. 

“Never say never,” she told journalists at the Ranger PHEV launch, when asked about PHEV expansion into the cab-chassis format and the like.

In the past, Ford has nixed the chances of the PHEV system being employed by the Everest SUV because of the compromises it would create for load carrying. 

Back in March, Henderson told journalists the packaging compromises inflicted by the new Prado’s mild hybrid system would not be something allowed with Everest. 

At Ranger PHEV he was less unequivocal, but still poured cold water on the idea. 

“The PHEV system has been specifically designed for Ranger,” said Henderson.

“Obviously, that body style affords some opportunities to be able to package that, so we have nothing currently to announce as it relates to Everest. 

“We have no current plans on Everest.” 

Other logical potential applications for Ford’s 207kW/697Nm PHEV system, given it produces more torque than any other Ranger powertrain, would potentially include the Raptor super-ute and the incoming Super Duty, the latter with its roughly 2000kg payload and 4500kg towing claim. 

It also adds expense primarily because of its battery pack, which would make it more suitable for these models than entry-level cab-chassis and single-cab Ranger models. 

But Henderson played down the PHEV system’s prospects for both. 

“Raptor’s about all-out performance,” he said. “And that’s what’s delivered with the V6 petrol in that product. And we’ll continue to assess what the right powertrain offering is for that, to deliver the intent. 

“The intent is that all-out experience, top of the range, which is still unmatched by anyone else in the ute segment.” 

On a potential Super Duty PHEV, Ambrose was equally opaque.

“What we’ve really focused on there is providing a product for extreme work. So the back of beyond, the most extreme conditions, the biggest payload, towing, etcetera.  

“So never say never, we’ll continue to assess what customers want. 

“But right now, the right powertrain application for Super Duty is the V6 diesel, which is what we’ve put into it.” 

As reported previously, Ford is pumping up the response to Ranger Super Duty as among the best it has experienced for a new model.