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4 Things You Should Know About The Ford Ranger PHEV

Ford Ranger PHEV Ford Ranger PHEV: Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are taking the world by storm and are a perfect in-between for those not quite ready to dip their toes in electrified waters. As time and technology march on, many manufacturers introduce new PHEV variants of existing fossil-fuelled cars. In many cases, this can mean increased power and torque, enhanced efficiency, and a quieter drive. However, limited electric range, higher outright costs, and the need for regular charging are caveats. Plug-in hybrid pick-up trucks are scarce, but Ford has recently introduced its Ranger PHEV to the European market, and here are five things you should know before parting with your cash. 1. The Ford Ranger PHEV Is Capable But so is the diesel, you say. Most Ford Rangers, if not all, are immensely capable off-road and excel at towing. The PHEV is no different, but you do a little more oomph. The Ford Ranger PHEV features a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, paired with a 75kW EV motor, which Ford claims is integrated as part of the Modular Hybrid Transmission, meaning it'll perform all the functions of a diesel Ranger. And although the Ranger PHEV is Ford's second most powerful Ranger pick-up with 276 bhp, it has more torque (690 Nm) than any other Ranger. Likewise, it'll carry a 1,043kg payload and has a gross vehicle weight of 3,500kg, which is slightly more than a diesel Ranger's 3,350kg. Ford Ranger PHEV Towing isn't compromised either; the Ranger PHEV can tow up to 3,100kg. It also features a nifty Towing Assist function, meaning you can use the driving modes selector in the centre console to steer the trailer in reverse. Similarly, it'll wade through 800mm-deep river crossings and traverse steep mountains, thanks to its Terrain Management System, four all-wheel driving settings, locking rear diff and hill descent control. 2. The Ford Ranger PHEV Doesn't Have A Large Electric Range But that's okay. Many PHEV vehicles have a low range, and if having a large electric range is important, you'd be better off with an EV. The Ranger PHEV has an official 26-mile range, which was closer to 22 miles with me at the helm, but when the electric motor and engine work together, you should see north of 70mpg (official combined is 88-90mpg). Running the battery flat brings it closer to a more Ford Ranger-like 30mpg. Ford Ranger PHEV It has four EV modes: EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge. EV Auto is the default mode. This automatically starts the petrol engine when the driver requires full performance. EV Now provides all-electric, emission-free driving, EV Later reserves battery power for later, and EV Charge sees the engine recharge the battery. 3. The Ford Ranger PHEV Has Clever Tech If you're a tradesperson and find yourself lugging a generator in your pick-up bed, you'll be pleased to hear that the Ranger PHEV features Ford's Pro Power Onboard system as standard. This system delivers 2.3 kW of exportable energy, directly from your pick-up bed, meaning you can power laptops, lights, power tools, and, well, anything with a plug. Ford Pro Power Ford claims you can continuously power a 2 kW table saw for over three hours, which will use up 10 percent of your battery, and to avoid range anxiety, Pro Power Onboard can be set to turn off at a 'remaining range', so the battery doesn't run flat. The Ford Ranger PHEV also features a trick moving sportsbar on the load bed, designed to solve the problem of carrying longer items. 4. The Ford Ranger PHEV Could Save You Money Yes, the Ford Ranger PHEV costs £4k more than the standard diesel, but there are benefits to be had, especially for UK buyers. As with everything electric, charging can be expensive. But pair the Ranger PHEV with a cheap electricity home tariff to keep its battery topped up, and you could see fuel savings when compared to the diesel. Ford Ranger PHEV Likewise, if you use your pick-up truck as a company car and pay BIK (Benefit In Kind), the Ranger PHEV is a financially prudent option. Of course, it will still cost more than it did before the latest April 2025 taxation rules, but the Ranger PHEV only emits 70g/km of c02 versus the diesel's 264g/km. Buying a Ford Ranger PHEV also means you'll be environmentally zen, and UK buyers will avoid any ULEZ charges.