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Ford's Ranger PHEV boasts a reported 43km electric range, a mileage Ford considers as the ideal balance, according to the company.

Ford remains committed to its choice of a 11.8kWh battery on the Ranger PHEV, providing an electric range of 43 kilometers, despite rival vehicles from BYD and GWM offering as much as 115 kilometers.

Ford Justifies 43-kilometer EV Range in Ranger PHEV as the Ideal Balance
Ford Justifies 43-kilometer EV Range in Ranger PHEV as the Ideal Balance

Ford's Ranger PHEV boasts a reported 43km electric range, a mileage Ford considers as the ideal balance, according to the company.

Ford has unveiled its latest innovation, the Ranger PHEV, promising to deliver the same 4x4 and utility capabilities as any other Ranger model. This hybrid vehicle is set to revolutionize the off-road and tow industries, catering to the needs of a diverse customer base.

Unveiling the Ranger PHEV's Features

The Ranger PHEV comes equipped with four different drive modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and a mode that holds the battery at its current state of charge. This versatility allows users to tailor their driving experience to their specific needs.

Every variant of the Ranger PHEV in New Zealand comes with a 6.9kW system as standard, featuring a single 10-amp, 2.3kW socket in the cabin, and twin 15-amp, 3.45kW sockets in the tray. This setup ensures ample power for both interior and exterior needs.

Data-Driven Development

In developing the Ranger PHEV, Ford leveraged connected-car data from 10,000 customer Rangers. This data-driven approach allowed them to understand user behaviours, such as the fact that 45% of Ranger users utilise the locking rear differential, and 80% tow. Of those 80%, a significant 30% log 'heavy tow journeys.'

Performance and Capabilities

The Ranger PHEV's battery has a capacity of 11.8kWh, offering an electric range of 43km. The vehicle's powertrain produces a combined output of 207kW, and a staggering 697Nm of torque - more than any other Ranger.

Ford has also included the Sport drive mode previously only offered on the Raptor, promising an exhilarating driving experience. The Ranger PHEV's battery can be charged by the engine if needed, and it comes with the Pro Power Onboard system as standard, allowing owners to power external devices.

Pricing and Availability

The Ranger PHEV will be available in three versions: XLT, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak, priced at $82,990, $89,990, and $94,990 respectively. The XLT and Wildtrak represent premiums of $15,500 and $13,000 over their respective 2.0-litre turbo-diesel equivalents, or $5000 if comparing to the Wildtrak 3.0-litre V6.

Towing and Payload Capacities

The Ranger PHEV retains a 3500kg tow rating and up to 973kg payload on the XLT, while the Wildtrak and Stormtrak are rated at 885kg and 808kg respectively.

Off-Road Capabilities

Global user data shows that the average daily journey for Ranger drivers is just 40km. To cater to the off-road enthusiasts, 59% of Ranger users engage the 4A (fully automatic AWD system), 45% engage 4H for off-tarmac driving, and 11% engage 4L for serious off-roading. The Ranger PHEV features a 10-speed automatic transmission and the 4A automatic-AWD mode, similar to V6 models and certain 4-cylinder versions.

The Ranger PHEV's tray is slightly longer than the regular dual-cab Ranger, due to being mounted 31mm higher to make room for the battery. Ford claims there is no compromise in tray size or anything else.

Ford is also planning to offer a variety of engine options for the Ranger PHEV to cater to different customer needs. However, further details about these engine options are yet to be disclosed.

Despite extensive research, information about the head of Ford Global Trucks International Markets Group involved in the development of the Ranger PHEV could not be found. Nevertheless, the Ranger PHEV promises to be a game-changer in the automotive industry, blending the best of electric and traditional power to deliver a vehicle that is both environmentally friendly and capable of handling the toughest terrains.

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