Ford Pro Finally Launches Ranger PHEV Globally, Debuts at IAA 2024 With Stormtrak Edition

il y a 2 mois - 18 Septembre 2024, autoevolution
Ford Ranger PHEV
Ford Ranger PHEV
The first-ever Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid was announced exactly a year ago, in September 2023. Now, we're treated to the global debut at IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany. And, of course, it comes with novelties to try and make the wait well worth it.

The Blue Oval company will embark on the journey of electrification for the first time in the mid-size pickup truck segment with the inaugural Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, with available Pro Power Onboard. We have known that for a while already, and the waiting isn't over yet – the regional launches in places like Europe or Australia will have to wait until sometime in 2025 (we bet on September, just to keep it symmetrical) when the factory in Silverton, South Africa, will have enough Ranger PHEVs off the production line.

Meanwhile, Ford Pro – the commercial vehicles division – promises to "blaze a new trail for plug-in hybrid pickups" with full Ranger towing, payload, and off-road performance, plus the added feature of electric-only driving and the uprated Pro Power Onboard for "off-grid work and play." The Ranger is the same best-selling model but comes with an all-new PHEV powertrain combining the 2.3-liter EcoBoost gasoline mill and its ten-speed auto box with a 75-kW (101 hp) electric motor and a fairly large 11.8 kWh (usable capacity) battery.

The combined result is pretty impressive – 690 Nm or 509 lb-ft is the highest torque of any Ranger to date, while the 279 ps or 275 hp is more power than a Ranger 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. The system also uses a new Modular Hybrid Transmission, and the battery needs around four hours for a full charge using a single-phase 16-amp charger. The targeted all-electric range is more than 45 km or 28 miles. Additionally, the payload is one ton, the towing rating is up to 3,500 kg, and the e-4WD setup includes a dual-range transfer box and rear differential lock with the battery sandwiched between "specially-engineered frame rails."

There's an available Ford Pro Home Charging option that allows scheduled charging, Pro Power Onboard technology with standard 2.3 kW or optional 6.9 kW output via dual 15-amp outlets in the load box. To celebrate the global launch and its official public presentation at IAA Transportation 2024, Ford also launched a Stormtrak limited edition, which features bespoke design cues like 18-inch alloy wheels, a honeycomb grille, fender vents, and a decal kit.

There are also Matrix LED headlights, a Flexible Rack System, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and a standard 360-degree camera, plus a unique Chill Grey and a ritzy cockpit treatment with premium materials and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. The Ranger PHEV will arrive in Europe in spring 2025 from Silverton, South Africa, but the timing for Australia hasn't been narrowed down yet.