Fast-growing Chinese brand BYD has announced the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute will launch in Australia in October in a 4x4 ute segment dominated by the best-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
2025 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid ute: price, specs, release date in Australia
Ford has debuted its new Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, confirming the highly anticipated electric version of 2023’s best-selling vehicle will go on sale in Australia in 2025.
Featuring a newly designed hybrid system which combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor and 11.8kWh battery, Ford says its new Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6 competitor will be good for over 45km (WLTP) electric range – sufficient to cover a daily commute for many, but with the back up of a petrol engine for longer journeys.
Ford also says that the new Ranger plug-in hybrid will continue to offer the same appeal as the rest of the line-up with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the same offroad capability and rugged characteristics that make the Ranger a popular work, lifestyle and family vehicle.
A new Ford Ranger Stormtrak limited edition model is available exclusively as a plug-in hybrid vehicle
How much will the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid ute cost in Australia?
Exact pricing will be revealed closer to the launch date in 2025, but Ford has confirmed that the Ranger PHEV will be offered in a range of trims, including XLT, Sport and Wildtrak. The 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel powered versions of those variants sell from $63,640 to $69,640 plus on-road costs, but it remains to be seen whether Ford Australia will charge a premium for the petrol powered hybrid, or a more attractive price to encourage its adoption.
In addition to the three trim levels, a limited edition Ford Ranger Stormtrak launch model will also be available exclusively as a plug-in hybrid.
The Ford Ranger Stormtrak launch edition features unique styling including 18-inch alloy wheels, a distinctive honeycomb grille, fender vents and a bespoke decal kit. The exterior colour palette includes exclusive Stormtrak Chill Grey or Agate Black paint colours.
Inside, the 2025 Ford Ranger Stormtrak boasts unique interior finishes and a premium Bang and Olufsen sound system. Also included on the Stormtrak are matrix LED headlamps, 360 degree camera, Flexible Rack System for carrying cargo and Pro Trailer BackUp Assist, which makes reversing with a caravan or trailer a breeze whether you are a novice at towing or experienced.
When does the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid ute go on sale in Australia?
Ford is yet to confirm an official release date for the Ranger PHEV in Australia, but says it expects the new ute to arrive in mid-2025 at dealers across the country. Interested buyers can register on the Ford website for more information about the Ranger PHEV in the meantime.
BYD's new Shark 6 ute will beat the Ranger PHEV to market as the first plug-in hybrid ute to go on sale in Australia.
Ford Ranger PHEV range, charging and efficiency
The all-new plug-in hybrid system in the Ford Ranger teams a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, 10-speed automatic gearbox and hybrid transmission with a 75kW electric motor and 11.8kWh battery.
The modular hybrid transmission consists of an e-motor and separator clutch to enable the Ford Ranger PHEV to be driven by just the engine, or in electric mode only as well as in full hybrid mode.
With a promised 45km electric only driving range, the Ford Ranger PHEV range is on the low side for a PHEV car, but the Ranger PHEV is expected to deliver improved fuel economy compared to traditional petrol or diesel Rangers. This positions the Ford Ranger PHEV as a good choice for owners or tradies who typically travel short distances during the week.
In comparison, the new GWM Cannon Alpha Ute PHEV under consideration for Australia has a larger 37.1kWh battery and an anticipated range of 110km, but that larger battery does compromise its payload.
Ford Australia anticipates that the Ranger's on board battery will have additional benefits to owners beyond driving however, as it offers vehicle to load capability to power high-draw tools on a work site or keep a fridge or lights running while camping. The system offers up to a maximum of 6.9kW with a cabin socket output of 2.3kW and two 3.45kW outlets in the load bed.
Drivers can further optimise their Ford Ranger PHEV driving experience with selectable EV modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge, allowing them to prioritise electric power usage or conserve battery charge for later use.
- Auto EV: keeps Ranger PHEV in the best mode for performance and efficiency
- EV Now: provides all-electric drive
- EV Later: keeps a portion of charge in reserve so that it can be deployed later
- EV Charge: prioritises recharging the battery while driving
The Ford Ranger PHEV battery is able to charge overnight on a regular household socket so when travelling it can be charged to full without the need to find an EV charger.
More: Toyota HiLux SR5 mild-hybrid review
Can the Ford Ranger PHEV go offroad?
The Ford Ranger PHEV includes an advanced 4WD system with electronically controlled two-speed transfer case (offering 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L) and a rear differential lock.
Ford Ranger PHEV drivers can select from a full range of available modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Mud/Ruts and Sand. Ford Australia says a low-range transfer case and rear locking differential ensures excellent off-road capability and the inclusion of Sport mode taken from the Ranger Raptor boosts throttle response.
The plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500kgs when the optional Ford tow kit is fitted (overseas model shown)
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