Plug-in Ranger’s range
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will deliver more torque than any other ute from the blue oval 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 45km without using a drop of fuel or producing tailpipe emissions.
The plug-in ute will provide all the towing and payload capability customers expect of the Ranger, along with Pro Power Onboard for the first time.
This enables users to power tools and appliances on worksites or campsites by plugging them into power outlets embedded in the cargo bed and cabin. It means noisy generators can be left at home so there’s more space for other gear and equipment.
Ford Motor Company is investing around NZ$460 million in its Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria, South Africa, for production of the first Ranger PHEV from late 2024. The investment incorporates a new battery-pack assembly plant for the plug-in system.
The marque’s chassis plant is also being upgraded to accommodate the unique chassis configuration for this model, including changes to robots, welding equipment, control systems, conveyors and skids.
And vehicle-assembly operations are being adapted to accommodate the PHEV specifically on the trim, chassis and final line. This includes changes to handling equipment, turnover fixtures, charging systems, leak detection and testing equipment, and a new repair area.
Along with the new battery facility and plant upgrades required for the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, the paint shop is being revamped to further improve paint quality and first time through for all vehicles produced in South Africa.
This will guarantee the highest levels of customer satisfaction and consistently deliver the required production volumes. The plant has an installed capacity to produce 720 vehicles per day over three shifts, or 200,000 vehicles per year.
Andrea Cavallaro, operations director of Ford International Markets Group, says: “As with current Ranger models, the new PHEV will be exported to Europe as part of our commitment to offer a wide range of powertrain options for customers in this important mid-size pick-up segment.
“For the first time in about two decades, the Silverton plant will also be supplying vehicles to Australia and New Zealand as it will be the source market for the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid for these countries.”
Kay Hart, president of Ford International Markets Group, says: “We will be adding two new models to the Ranger line-up, which is proudly built in South Africa and exported to more than 100 markets.”
Ford will soon introduce the Ranger Tremor using the same basic recipe as the Wildtrak X. It’s aimed at buyers who need enhanced capability in challenging off-road conditions.
The Tremor is based on the hard-working XLT series. It incorporates a substantially reworked chassis with a wider track and higher ground clearance, along with Bilstein position-sensitive dampers and off-road focused driver-assistance systems as standard.
The upcoming Ranger Platinum is positioned above the Wildtraks. It’s aimed at customers who appreciate the premium levels of comfort and technology from high-end road cars, but who rely on the toughness and all-round productivity.
