Other than the still-to-be-determined fate of Ute Tax, the big news for ute buyers for September was the much-anticipated and not unexpected announcement that a Ford Ranger with an electrified power train was on its way.
The Ranger is destined to receive the stepping-stone of a plug-in hybrid rather than a fully electric version, but even so, Simon Rutherford, managing director of Ford New Zealand said, “The Ranger plug-in hybrid will help our customers move into an electrified future, with the confidence and capability that only Ranger can provide.”
The challenge Ford faces now is convincing buyers to wait for the PHEV Ranger as it is not due to arrive until 2025.
Of course, there will be fleets happy to wait as many will be re-fleeting around that timeframe, but Ford does have a hard road convincing the public buyer to hold off from buying other electrified utes until then. Fleets may well hold the key to PHEV Ranger sale’s success.
Rutherford commented, “New Zealanders are rapidly transitioning to electrified vehicle solutions and the Ranger plug-in hybrid will play a key role not only in Ford’s global sustainability efforts to reduce emissions from transportation, but also in helping meet the varied needs of our valued customers here in New Zealand.
“We anticipate that a more sustainable, lower emissions solution will appeal across retail, business, rural and urban customers alike.”
Ranger plug-in hybrid will deliver more torque than any other Ranger, thanks to a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system.
It can be driven in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres without using a drop of fuel or producing tailpipe emissions, helping customers save at the pump.
The EV-only capability will be extremely useful for Ranger customers as it can be easily charged at home, and many customers, says Ford, travel 40km or less per day.
The targeted maximum braked towing capacity of the Ranger plug-in hybrid is 3,500 kg.
“Ranger plug-in hybrid will bring all of the towing and payload capability our customers expect of Ranger, and with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners will have the addition of portable power for both work and play.”
Pro Power Onboard enables customers to power their tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed and the cabin. That means noisy, bulky, heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment.
In addition to having on-demand electricity, Ranger plug-in hybrid’s EV drive modes will give customers more flexibility in deciding how and when to use the EV battery power.
Ranger plug-in hybrid also comes equipped with Ranger’s proven four-wheel-drive capability, selectable drive modes and advanced driver safety and driver assist features.
“The plug-in hybrid offers a no-compromise, electrified solution with zero-tailpipe emissions EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible on and off-road performance,” concluded Rutherford.
