Latest news with #PHEV
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Ford Ranger PHEV review: The best-selling pick-up goes plug-in hybrid
Whereas passenger cars and commercial van fleets are rapidly electrifying, the pick-up might just be the last holdout in the transition to EVs – especially in the UK. The Ford F-150 Lightning proved that electric trucks are possible in a country that pays little attention to weight limitations, but the fully electric version of the most popular car in America is simply too massive for our roads. The Tesla Cybertruck is plainly silly and about as road legal in the UK as a skip full of knives. Your only option for an EV hauler in the UK, the Maxus T90 is an honest-to-goodness electric pick-up, albeit with asthmatic towing ability. So it makes sense that Ford has taken only a cautious half-step towards electrifying the hugely popular Ford Ranger. The plug-in hybrid edition of the truck adds a 75kW electric motor, a modular hybrid transmission and a 11.8kWh battery to its 2.3 litre EcoBoost engine. The changes add just a 31mm rise to the Ranger's bed – besides the extra flap for charging and a few PHEV details around the air vents, you'd barely notice the difference. Ford's goal was to add plug-in electric capability without changing the Ranger's most sacred attributes, reducing emissions, lowering running costs and improving comfort, while leaving untouched its all-round utility as a commercial workhorse. How we tested We've had multiple test drives of the Ranger PHEV ahead of its launch, experiencing its performance and efficiency on-road, including motorways and country lanes, as well as its impressive capability on a demanding off-road course. Ford Ranger PHEV: From £39,500, Independent rating: 8/10 Ford Ranger PHEV specs Price range: £39,500 to £50,000 Battery size: 11.8kWh Maximum EV range: 25 miles Engine: 2.3 litre EcoBoost Battery, range, charging, performance and drive The Ranger PHEV combines the 2.3 litre EcoBoost petrol engine seen in the Focus RS and Mustang with a 75kW electric motor fed by an 11.8kWh battery. This results in an impressive 700Nm of torque – the highest of any production Ranger ever – and retains the pick-up's load-hauling capability. The instant torque and regenerative braking of the electric motor help out in the field too, where off-road and low-speed handling feel sharpened. We crawled the Ranger PHEV up and down some steep, rocky inclines in full EV mode, where the e-4WD system constantly juggled torque distribution to keep the truck moving over challenging terrain. All of the Ranger's usual off-road systems are here and have been tweaked to play nice with the new transmission – features like automatic hill descent and rear differential lock should get you out of most sticky situations under electric power alone. Back on the road the Ranger PHEV offers a sturdy, comfortable ride and a typical high-up driving position that gives great visibility all round. The pick-up is surprisingly agile for its size and weight too, ducking around tight bends with composure. Four EV modes determine how much electric power you want to use – or reserve to use at your destination – with the default Auto EV setting striking a balance between engine performance and electric motor efficiency. Electric-only range is just 25 miles. That's weak by PHEV standards, but still enough mileage for short trips and occasions where you might want to avoid belching fumes out of the tailpipe – like visiting campsites and worksites, or entering low-emission urban zones. There's no fast charging here – just a standard AC socket. Interior, practicality and boot space Inside, the Ranger PHEV largely echoes the familiar cabin of the current Ranger. Durable hard plastics are used throughout, but the interior is functional enough for a working vehicle, with surprisingly comfy seats in the front – you can opt for heated seats, too – and decent legroom for two passengers in the back. Driving modes, EV modes and off-road systems all get physical controls on the centre console next to the chunky gear selector, as do some climate controls and other essential functions beneath the display. The highest trim levels get a few splashes of colour and detailing around the cabin to match the car's paint. The 11.8kWh battery is packaged in the pick-up bed, resulting in only a 31mm rise, so capacity is pretty much unaffected. You have the option to add a powered canopy and a sliding sports rack for securing ladders and other awkward loads, while the easy lift tailgate and cargo lighting make accessing the bed straightforward. Built-in floodlights can illuminate areas around the car for better visibility when working after dark, too. Beyond the hybrid system itself, the Ranger PHEV doesn't go overboard with fancy tech, keeping things relatively modest with a vertical 12in touchscreen in the centre of the dash and an 8in driver display behind the wheel. A 10-speaker B&O audio system is available on the launch edition Stormtrak trim, which sounds decent enough for a utility vehicle, and the cabin gets a degree of active noise cancellation to reduce road and wind sounds at speed. The smartest new tech on board the Ranger PHEV is Ford's Pro Power Onboard system, a plug socket in the bed that effectively turns the pick-up into a mobile power source capable of running everything from heavy-duty appliances to a Nespresso machine. One of the EV driving modes is designed to conserve the battery for use at your destination too, so you can arrive confident that your car will have enough power to make you a coffee. As well as the usual set of standard driving assists like lane-keeping and pre-collision assist, you have the option to add Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which automatically moves the pick-up into position for towing and uses the 12in display to help manage awkward manoeuvres with trailers. Similarly, the front camera helps with wheel positioning when driving off-road or along dirt tracks. Prices and running costs The Ford Ranger PHEV starts at £39,500 (ex. VAT) for the entry-level XLT, rising to around £45,000 for the Wildtrak and around £50,000 for the limited-edition Stormtrak. While pricier than the diesel equivalents, the long-term savings and tax advantages are compelling, especially for commercial users. As a plug-in hybrid, the Range PHEV benefits from being more fuel efficient, but it's the car's lower CO2 emissions that produce the biggest immediate savings by slashing benefit-in-kind tax for company car users. Ford also projects £2,250 savings on maintenance over conventional models and potential fuel savings of £1,000 per year for those utilising cheap overnight electricity tariffs. Rivals Maxus T90 Ford Ranger (diesel) Ford E-Transit Custom FAQs How long does it take to charge? With no fast charging to speak of, the 11.8kW battery on the Ranger PHEV will charge in around a couple of hours from a 7kW home charger. How much does it cost, and is it worth it? There's a small premium to pay versus the petrol and diesel Ranger, but this is offset by cheaper running costs. Overall fuel efficiency and a reduced tax liability for company fleets quickly adds up to decent savings. What should I look out for before buying one? Consider if the limited electric-only range meets your daily needs for EV driving and ensure the higher upfront cost is offset by your potential tax and running cost savings, especially if you can regularly charge it on a cheap tariff. Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. The verdict: Ford Ranger PHEV Ford has electrified the Ranger without compromising its workhorse soul, delivering an upgrade with impressive torque and range-topping fuel efficiency alongside a few compelling extras like ProPower. Limited EV range makes the Ranger PHEV a little less versatile, but the tax savings alone will make it a hit with business users.
Auto Express
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Ford Ranger PHEV 2025 review: plug-in pick-up sets the standard
The Ford Ranger PHEV manages to deliver lower emissions that will benefit business users while still offering all of the cargo carrying and towing capability that the standard diesel model can offer. For that reason alone the PHEV will be a top choice with buyers, while the Stormtrak trim has some added visual appeal that will draw more customers in. Advertisement - Article continues below As it stands, there's not much wrong with the Ford Ranger, but changes in legislation mean that this big-selling machine is in need of a revamp to help it keep pace with buyer demands. Emissions are now an important factor when it comes to business taxation, and the arrival of the new Ranger PHEV will be the perfect double-cab pick-up for those keen to keep their contributions to the taxman as low as possible. From the outside, not a lot looks different, although the new Stormtrak trim is exclusive to the PHEV model (it also comes in XLT and Wildtrak trims), Chill Grey is a cool blue hue that's unique to the Stormtrak (black is also offered), while there are unique wheel designs to mark the petrol-electric model out. The Stormtrak also has the option of a sliding sports bar that allows racks to be attached above the cargo bed, while Ford's Pro Power system allows users to connect any device with a three-pin plug to the truck's drive battery - which could come in handy for anybody wanting to take the Ranger off grid and out into the wilds. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View Corsa View X3 View I-PACE The other visual clue to the alternative powertrain is the fact there are two filler flaps on the nearside rear wing. One (the one with a lightning bolt set into it) pops open to reveal the charging port for the drive battery, while the other flap ahead of it is the fuel filler, which is released with the push of a button on the dashboard. Advertisement - Article continues below These are used to refill an 11.8kWh battery and a 70-litre fuel tank respectively, with the latter supplying petrol to a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that we've seen previously in the UK in the Ford Focus RS/ST and Mustang. The set-up in the Ranger PHEV makes 277bhp and 697Nm of torque, so the plug-in model is second only to the petrol Ranger Raptor for power, while Ford's familiar 10-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard. There's a 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds, while the Ranger PHEV also boasts a towing weight of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of more than a tonne, so there are no compromises there when compared with the diesel versions. One area where there is a bit of compromise is with the load bed, because there is a subtle rise in the floor that is designed to help accommodate the drive battery. That means cargo volume isn't quite a match for the diesel Ranger, but it's not far behind. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below This might be a small enough price to pay for business users looking to cut their outgoings. Previously, double cab pick-up trucks faced a flat rate of Benefit-in-Kind taxation (currently set at £3,960pa for vans weighing less than 3.5 tonnes), but now the rates are calculated based upon emissions. Seeing as diesel double cab pick-ups are quite heavy polluters, that places them in the top emissions-based category for BiK at 37 per cent. For top-rate earners, that means tax bills in the region of £7,000 for a diesel Ranger Wildtrak, but the 71g/km emissions of the PHEV mean costs are slashed to £4,600 a year. So that's the reason for introducing the Ranger PHEV, but what's it like to drive? In brief, pretty much like any other automatic Ranger. The combination of electric motor and petrol engine is good, with the former delivering instant responses while the engine gets up to speed, and the petrol engine is reasonably hushed and distant when it does cut in. The powertrain is decent, with no real shunt between drive sources, and the brakes are positive, too, with plenty of stopping power. Advertisement - Article continues below In corners the Ranger gives the game away in terms of weight, but while there's some body roll, it's no worse here in the heavier PHEV than in the standard car. The ride is pretty compliant, too, although the slow steering and a slightly bouncy edge at higher speeds means the Ranger could be a bit more comfortable, but then it's no worse than a lot of supposedly family-friendly SUVs. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The usual suite of drive modes is selectable via the push-button controls down behind the drive selector, including an EV button that allows you to either drive the PHEV in standard hybrid mode – switching between power sources as the electronics see fit – switch to silent EV running, save the charge for later or recharge the battery using the engine while on the move. We wouldn't say the latter is particularly economical, but can give you some extra charge if you need it. We tried the Ranger PHEV off-road, where it proved to be just as adept as the standard model. That means the long-wheelbase struggles a little with a series of ruts that can see the side steps scrape the ground, but otherwise the Ranger is surprisingly capable. There's something eerie about driving an electric 4x4 in virtual silence, only hearing the surrounding countryside crack and scrunch as you drive through. The Ranger's standard-fit high range 4WD and rear diff lock can function while in EV mode, but low-range sees the engine cut in to assist at all times. Either way, the only other limiting factor might be the petrol engine's exhaust, which points down to the ground behind the rear axle, and looks low enough that it might scrape when exiting a particularly steep transition. Model: Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost PHEV Stormtrak Price: £49,800 ( On sale: Now Powertrain: 2.3-litre turbo petrol PHEV Power/torque: 277bhp/697Nm Transmission: 10-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 9.2 seconds Top speed: TBC EV range: 25.5 miles Economy/CO2: 94.2mpg/71g/km Size (L/W/H): 5,370/2,015/1,878mm New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too Audi's not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
Auto Car
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Chinese car makers plant flag atop UK plug-in hybrid market
Close Chinese car makers have broken the stranglehold of Volkswagen, Ford and the premium brands on the booming UK plug-in hybrid market, taking the top two positions in May. The BYD Seal U took the top spot with 1576 sales, followed by the Jaecoo 7 with 1346 sales, according to figures from market analyst Jato Dynamics. The Volkswagen Tiguan was third, followed by the Ford Kuga and Range Rover Sport. The situation in the UK is being played out across Europe, where sales of Chinese PHEVs rose 421% to 30,400 in the first four months of the year, giving them an 8.3%
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic car maker recalls over 14,000 motors due to ‘serious' fault that could see you lose control of brakes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OVER 14,000 vehicles have been recalled after a potentially dangerous fault was discovered. The cars were found to have an underlying issue which could affect the brakes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Over 14,000 cars have been recalled after a software issue was found to potentially affect brake function (stock image) Credit: PA The issue has occurred in thousands of electric and plug-in hybrid Volvo vehicles across the US. Volvo Car USA, LLC issued the safety recall due to a serious software defect. It was concluded that this problem could potentially lead to a loss of brake function. The issue is said to stem from the Brake Control Module, which can cause a failure in the braking system under specific driving conditions. Therefore, this defect could significantly increase the risk of the vehicle crashing. This recall impacts 14,014 select models from the years 2020 through 2026. The two models recalled are the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). It was found that a temporary loss of braking functionality may occur after coasting downhill for an extended period in certain driving modes. Pressing the brake pedal after this occurs may then disable the brakes entirely. This safety issue can occur when a vehicle is coasting downhill for at least one minute and 40 seconds. Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand It is specific to vehicles operating in 'One Pedal Drive' mode (for BEVs) or 'B' drive mode (for PHEVs) without the driver applying the brake or accelerator pedals. It is significantly dangerous if the driver then presses the brake pedal, as this action may cause a complete loss of braking function, elevating the risk of a collision. The root of the problem is attributed to Brake Control Module software version 3.5.14. Volvo said it will provide a free software update for all affected vehicles. Until the recall remedy is performed, owners are advised to avoid using the 'One Pedal Drive' and 'B' drive modes. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check , with no impact on your score , with no impact on your score 60-second approval , get a real finance decision in less than a minute , get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match , only see cars that fit your real budget , only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here. Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances Owners of affected models will be officially notified by mail from Wednesday, August 6. Volvo announced the recall population was traced to a specific software version released on April 25, 2025. The recall covers a wide range of Volvo's electrified lineup: 2023-2024 C40 BEV, XC40 BEV, EC40, and EX40 2020-2025 XC90 PHEV 2022-2025 XC60 PHEV 2023-2025 S60 PHEV 2024-2025 V60 PHEV 2025 S90 PHEV The remedy involves a software update, performed at no cost to the owner. Owners who have already paid for repairs related to this issue may be eligible for reimbursement. Dealers were notified of the recall on June 12, 2025. And owners can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website after June 20, 2025. For more information, owners can visit the Volvo customer help website.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic car maker recalls over 14,000 motors due to ‘serious' fault that could see you lose control of brakes
OVER 14,000 vehicles have been recalled after a potentially dangerous fault was discovered. The cars were found to have an underlying issue which could affect the brakes. 2 Over 14,000 cars have been recalled after a software issue was found to potentially affect brake function (stock image) Credit: PA The issue has occurred in thousands of electric and plug-in hybrid Volvo vehicles across the US. Volvo Car USA, LLC issued the It was concluded that this problem could potentially lead to a loss of brake function. The issue is said to stem from the Brake Control Module, which can cause a failure in the braking system under specific driving conditions. Read More On Motors Therefore, this defect could significantly increase the risk of the vehicle crashing. This recall impacts 14,014 select models from the years 2020 through 2026. The two models recalled are the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). It was found that a temporary loss of braking functionality may occur after coasting downhill for an extended period in certain driving modes. Most read in Motors Pressing the brake pedal after this occurs may then disable the brakes entirely. This safety issue can occur when a vehicle is coasting downhill for at least one minute and 40 seconds. Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand It is specific to vehicles operating in 'One Pedal Drive' mode (for BEVs) or 'B' drive mode (for PHEVs) without the driver applying the brake or accelerator pedals. It is significantly dangerous if the driver then presses the brake pedal, as this action may cause a complete loss of braking function, elevating the risk of a collision. The root of the problem is attributed to Brake Control Module software version 3.5.14. Volvo said it will provide a free software update for all affected vehicles. Until the recall remedy is performed, owners are advised to avoid using the 'One Pedal Drive' and 'B' drive modes. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check , with no impact on your score 60-second approval , get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match , only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help , get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances Owners of affected models will be officially notified by mail from Wednesday, August 6. Volvo announced the recall population was traced to a specific software version released on April 25, 2025. The recall covers a wide range of Volvo's electrified lineup: 2023-2024 C40 BEV, XC40 BEV, EC40, and EX40 2020-2025 XC90 PHEV 2022-2025 XC60 PHEV 2023-2025 S60 PHEV 2024-2025 V60 PHEV 2025 S90 PHEV The remedy involves a software update, performed at no cost to the owner. Owners who have already paid for repairs related to this issue may be eligible for reimbursement. Dealers were notified of the recall on June 12, 2025. And owners can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the For more information, owners can visit the 2 Volvo owners in the US can soon check if their vehicle is affected online (stock image) Credit: Getty
