Towing key for PHEV utes
Sixty per cent of drivers say they would be “more likely” to buy an electrified vehicle if it offers greater towing capability, according to a survey by Ford, while 47 per cent are looking for something with off-road capability.
“When the Ranger PHEV arrives here in 2025, buyers can rest assured it has been developed with their needs in mind, including 3,500kg towing and off-road capability, along with electric-only driving and off-grid power,” says Ambrose Henderson, marketing director of Ford Australia.
“We know Ranger owners take their vehicles off-road and tow, so the fact the PHEV maintains these core attributes is something customers will love.”
Data from more than 10,000 Rangers covering more than five million journeys has revealed that 59 per cent of owners drive in 4A for all-road performance while 45 per cent engaged 4H with 11 per cent tackling hardcore terrain requiring 4L. Additionally, 45 per cent of owners engaged the rear-locking differential.
Ranger owners across the Tasman spend a lot of time towing, and not just a box trailer to the landfill site. Thirty per cent – or 3,490 vehicles – logged heavy towing journeys when the Ranger’s integrated trailer-brake controller was active.
Henderson says: “We also studied the charging habits of plug-in hybrid EV owners and used this information to inform the electrification of Ranger’s drivetrain.”
Data from 11.3 million journeys by Rangers across Australia have revealed that the average driving distance each day was 40km or less.
Recent data from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association shows that, on average, PHEV drivers use only electric power for 65 per cent of their trip. Fifty-seven per cent plug in their vehicle every night.
