The Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Has Arrived in Rugged Style
Fitness for purpose. Take a deftly aimed power tool to all the marketing flim-flam, and you can't go far wrong with that mantra. There's no messing around when it comes to a pick-up truck, a vehicle that has a clear job to do, and in most cases does it admirably.
Except that even this segment isn't immune to mission creep, and these hardy vehicles are now expected to double as workhorse and acceptable all-round family transport. The Ford F-150 may typify the breed, but outside of the US the Ranger has been in active duty for more than 40 years. A global player since 2011, it sells in 180 territories worldwide, and is particularly dominant in the European pick-up market.
But get this, 80 percent of the Rangers sold in the UK last year were in Wildtrak spec, the version that swaddles the hard plastics in leather and ladles on the decals. It's—deep breath—a genuine lifestyle vehicle, beloved by the sort of buyers who actually do stuff rather than just think about it.
Now, at last, there's an electrified version, though we're talking hybrid rather than the whole enchilada. Ford sells the fully electric Lightning in the US, where it's locked in battle with Tesla's Cybertruck (though neither is setting the sales chart aflame), but this is the closest Brits are going to get for the foreseeable at least. Only Chinese maker Maxus sells an electric pick-up in the UK, a vehicle we wouldn't recommend, and Toyota's indestructible Hi-Lux makes do with a mild hybrid setup. This makes the Ranger PHEV a significant new arrival.
It shares its platform hardware with the VW Amarok, and is manufactured in Ford's Silverton plant in South Africa. Until now, engine options have been limited to a 2.0-liter petrol or 3.0-liter diesel. The new car uses Ford's excellent 2.3-liter 'Ecoboost' turbo petrol unit (as previously seen in the Focus and Mustang), bolstered by a 75-kW (100-bhp) electric motor, packaged within the bell-housing of the 10-speed automatic transmission. Pick-Up Philosophy
It's fed by an 11.8-kWh battery (usable) that sits under the Ranger's load bed. Despite its compact size, that still necessitated modifications to the vehicle's ladder frame chassis, resulting in a 20-millimeter bulge. (It has a 1-metric-ton payload and can accommodate a Euro pallet between the wheelhouses.) An electronically controlled clutch engages and disengages the e-motor and combustion engine, switching between petrol, hybrid, and electric propulsion. Visual differences are limited to a second filler flap on the near-side rear wing, with a lightning bolt logo on it, which hides the charging port for the battery. On a 7-kW wall charger, it takes about 2.5 hours to charge.
Here's how it works. EV Auto is the default setting, blending electric and petrol power in a way best suited to everyday use, or if you're towing or lugging a heavy load. EV Now does what it says: This is for electric driving only, Ford claiming a range of around 26 miles (WLTP). EV Later allows the driver to store electric energy, particularly useful if you're heading into the city or a zero-emission zone. Finally, there's EV Charge, which sees the petrol engine charge the high-voltage battery, though it won't top it up by all that much. In addition to those, the PHEV maintains the driving modes used in extant Ranger models: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. This new Ranger variant is clearly messing with the sacred strictures of the pick-up philosophy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
What changes will IndyCar make to new car? Weight reduction, engine formula, more
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Penske Entertainment executives rolled out its plan for IndyCar's next-generation chassis and engine formula in a private meeting of its team owners midway Saturday at Road America, the series announced in a release. The car, which earlier this month the series confirmed to be on track for the start of the 2028 season, will include between 85 to 100 pounds of weight reduction, house a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 internal combustion engine — the engine originally planned to be rolled out in tandem with the debut of IndyCar's bespoke hybrid unit — and a low-voltage hybrid unit that will continue to evolve off of the current model in use to eventually include 'longer deployment, more horsepower gain and overall improved performance.' Advertisement On-track testing for the car will begin in 2026, with Dallara producing the chassis that, according to the series, will 'feature a look designed to appeal to a new generation of fans while keeping styling cues recognized by all as an IndyCar series car." 'The time has come for a new IndyCar series chassis,' IndyCar president Doug Boles said. 'The DW12 served the series so well, as it provided a combination of phenomenal, wheel-to-wheel racing and critical enhancements to safety. But recent significant updates to the car — from the aero screen to the hybrid power unit — have helped advanced the need for a completely new car. 'We are pleased by what our engineers and Dallara have collaboratively designed and believe it will appeal to the fans and paddock, while also upholding our standards of safety and enhancing IndyCar's on-track competition well into the future." Insider: IndyCar shifts timeline for new car further back, creating complicated future. Here's why Advertisement Also noted in the release, Xtrac, an exclusive supplier for IndyCar since 2000, will continue to provide transmissions for the new chassis. The new car will feature a new gearbox that will shed 25 pounds and that will share components with the future Indy NXT gearbox. Performance Friction Corporation will again be the exclusive supplier of brake system components for the series, as it has since 2017. The new car will also include an ergonomic driver cockpit to improve seating position, as well as an integrated aero screen and a new roll hoop. Renderings of the new car as well as information on its test schedule and additional partners will be announced at a later date. This story will be updated. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar new car changes: weight reduction, engine formula, hybrid
Gizmodo
2 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Tesla Might Have a Fix for the Elon Musk Problem
Tesla is having a nightmarish year, and much of the damage can be traced directly to its CEO, Elon Musk. After spending nearly $290 million to help Donald Trump return to the White House, Musk took on a tailor-made role in the administration, heading the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His push to slash federal agencies and cut social programs, combined with his embrace of controversial theories, sparked global protests outside Tesla showrooms. The company's liberal customer base, once its greatest asset, felt alienated, with many owners publicly regretting their purchases. The backlash has been brutal. In the first quarter, Tesla's global sales fell 13%, and its net income plummeted a staggering 71% to $409 million compared to the previous year. The company's stock is down over 20% since January. With early data suggesting the slide isn't stopping, the reputational damage looks deep and lasting, even after Musk's spectacular falling out with the president and departure from the administration. But Tesla may have an escape plan. According to a new report from Bloomberg, the automaker is turning its sights to India. The company is preparing to open its first showroom in Mumbai by mid-July, with another planned for New Delhi shortly after. A first shipment of Chinese-made vehicles, primarily the best-selling Model Y SUV, has already been sent to the country. This move isn't just about expansion; it's a strategic pivot toward the third-largest auto market in the world, a market that could potentially offset cratering demand in Europe and stiffening competition from Chinese rival BYD. For years, Tesla's attempts to enter India have failed, snagged by disagreements over local manufacturing requirements and pricing. The breakthrough appears to have come in February, after Musk met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Washington. The two leaders spoke again by phone in April. 'Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues,' Modi posted on X. 'We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation.' Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2025Musk responded enthusiastically, saying, 'I am looking forward to visiting India later this year!' It was an honor to speak with PM Modi. I am looking forward to visiting India later this year! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 19, 2025For a company desperately needing to change the narrative, this pivot to a massive, untapped market could be the lifeline it needs. The question is whether a new chapter in India can be enough to fix the damage done at home. Tesla did not immediately respond to Gizmodo's request for comment.
Car and Driver
2 hours ago
- Car and Driver
1982 BMW 528i on Bring a Trailer Is the Nicest We've Seen
Here's a fine-looking early BMW 5-series that checks a lot of boxes. It's not an M5, but it does feature an inline-six, a five-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive. It also boasts exceptionally low mileage and condition to match. The E28 BMW 5-series is mostly known as the debut of the BMW M5. That car is by now a legend, noted for its mighty 3.5-liter inline-six. If it's a racehorse, here's a car from the same bloodline that's a bit more domesticated, but still loves to trot. Bring a Trailer This 528i is the underlying sports sedan that made the first M5 so good, and this 1982 model up for sale on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos) looks to be an exceptional example of the breed. Sold new in France, it's got an M30 2.8-liter inline-six with higher compression than what we received in the U.S.—mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It also sports the crisply elegant European bumpers rather than the overlarge U.S. units. And its 15K kilometers on the odometer translates to a freakishly low U.S. equivalent of less than 10,000 miles. Ooh, and those French selective yellow headlights, that's a nice touch. Courtesy: Bring a Trailer This car was bought last year on Bring a Trailer by the sort of owner who seems particularly fastidious. They've gone through the engine bay and cabin and removed any aftermarket parts, for instance replacing the Kenwood door speakers with factory BMW units. There is no A/C, but the seller is throwing in a factory A/C system from another car, which the new owner could have installed. Courtesy: Bring a Trailer The 5-series of this generation is such a overlooked machine, one that puts the spirit of the original 2002tii into a discreet business suit. The 2.8-liter inline-six produces a plentiful 170 horsepower, and it loves to rev. An E28 is tiny next to a modern 5-series, and the experience of hurrying it down a two-lane road while looking out through that expansive greenhouse is a wonderful one. Courtesy: Bring a Trailer The very low mileage does mean that this car is something to be reserved for special occasions, but it should be faithful even if it sits around a bit. These are far simpler and more durable cars than electronics-heavy later Bimmers, and that inline-six doesn't have the valve adjustment schedule of the M5's motor. This is the best of Bavaria, and with no reserve, it's going home with a new owner. The auction ends on June 25. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
