First-Ever Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Revealed With 28-Mile Electric Range

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder + plug-in hybrid system
• More torque than any other Ranger derivative
• Electric driving range of 28 miles (WLTP)
• Standard Pro Power Onboard to power tools and more
• European launch in 2025, American arrival uncertain

Ford has revealed its first-ever Ranger plug-in hybrid derivative in Europe and Australia, providing customers with the best of both worlds: a proven gasoline-powered engine and an emissions-free electric mode.

Powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and an electric motor, Ford claims the Ranger PHEV can travel 28 miles in pure electric mode. This has been calculated on the WLTP cycle.

Alas, Ford has confirmed the Ranger PHEV won't be coming to the US. A Ford spokesperson confirmed to CarBuzz that "The Ranger PHEV is for Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For customers in North America looking for a hybrid or electric truck, we currently offer Maverick Hybrid, F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid and F-150 Lightning."

The manufacturer hasn't shared any power and performance figures but notes the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid has more torque than any other Ranger. That means it should exceed the 430 lb-ft of torque offered by the V6-powered Raptor. Without assistance, the 2.3-liter motor produces a healthy 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, so we expect the electric motor to provide a healthy boost.

"The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will help customers step forward into an electrified future, with more confidence and capability than ever before, while keeping Ranger at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the mid-size pickup truck segment," said Hans Schep, General Manager of Ford Pro Europe.

Naturally, four-wheel drive is standard. Ford says the Ranger PHEV will have five distinct drive modes and a suite of sophisticated driver and safety assist features.

Ford is targeting a maximum braked towing capacity of approximately 7,700 lbs, matching the rest of the Ranger offerings. Thanks to the Pro Power Onboard system, it will be a hugely practical pickup. Customers can power their tools and appliances while working or camping in remote areas.

Production of the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will begin in late 2024, with the first examples being delivered to customers in 2025.

"The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family - 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," concluded Schep.

It's impressive to see Ford taking this step and not going the all-electric route immediately. A plug-in hybrid model will appeal to a broader base of customers and perhaps even help them eventually transition to fully electric vehicles. We expect a Ranger Lightning to arrive before the end of the decade. Ford executives have previously said the T6 platform has been built to accommodate different types of electrification, from the PHEV seen here to pure EVs.

A trademark uncovered by CarBuzz last year suggests the Ranger EV will adopt the Lightning nomenclature, like the larger F-150 Lightning.