By Matt Bird \/ Tuesday, 19 September 2023 \/ Loading comments<\/p>\n
It takes all of five seconds in an electric van to see the advantages for commercial vehicles of EV power. It\u2019s so much quicker, easier, and quieter than diesel. But, crucially, they won\u2019t go as far, which is problematic if work takes your van outside the city. A PHEV ought to work as a really nice compromise, for now, for those done with diesel but not yet able to embrace EV. So Ford is going to build one: the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid.<\/p>\n
It’s a rare breed, the plug-in pick-up, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how buyers take to the Ranger. It\u2019s going to be powered by a 2.3-litre Ecoboost petrol and battery combo; there\u2019s no word yet on battery capacity, let alone charging, but the aim is for around 28 miles of electric range. Which ought to be enough for whichever low emissions zone is encountered. Driving modes will be configured to allow charge to be stored for when it\u2019s required later in the journey.<\/p>\n
To all intents and purposes, the PHEV is going to be a lot like any other Ranger as a commercial vehicle. Ford is aiming for the same 3,500kg maximum braked towing capacity, plus four-wheel drive ought to take it as far off the beaten track as the next project requires. And if that all sounds a little vague for now, that\u2019s because it is – the Ranger plug-in won\u2019t go into production until the end of next year, with sales kicking off in 2025, so there are still a few details to be finalised.<\/p>\n
What has been confirmed, however, is Pro Power Onboard as an optional extra. There will be power outlets in the cargo bed and cabin, meaning \u2018high-draw\u2019 power tools and appliances can be plugged into the truck as opposed to having to lug around a generator as well. Customers will also be able to take advantage of the Ford Pro \u2018ecosystem of solutions\u2019, which will help with finding chargers, keeping software updated and so on.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur customers want electrified vehicles that deliver strong performance and affordable cost of ownership without compromising what they love about their truck,\u201d said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro in Europe. \u201cThe Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family \u2013 offering customers zero-tailpipe emission EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible off-road, payload and towing capabilities. And, with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners can power their work sites and campsites easily.\u201d Wonder if the same battery could provide a boost for the Raptor in time – it is a little down on power, after all\u2026<\/p>\n