Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid: Everything we know from braked towing capacity, payload and wading depth, to electric range and what price you could pay

Following Ford Australia's announcement of the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid ute, we've put together this instant expert guide to everything we know so far, from how much it can tow, its payload capacity, how far it can drive under EV power and even what you can expect to pay.

When's the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) coming to Australia?

Ford says The Ranger PHEV will start rolling down the production line in late 2024 and will arrive in Australia in 2025. When in 2025 is uncertain, it could be late in 2025. Ford says that buyers can put their hand up for one by speaking to their dealer now.

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How much will the Ranger PHEV cost?

Ford hasn't revealed pricing for the Ranger PHEV but we do know the hybrid system will only be offered on a high grade double cab variant such as the Wildrtrak which lists for $67,990.

You can expect Ford to charge a premium for the plug-in hybrid tech as all car manufacturers do. We could be looking at about $10-15K more than a regular Wildtrak. It's safe to say it'll be at least $80K.

Ford says The Ranger PHEV will start rolling down the production line in late 2024 and will arrive in Australia in 2025.

Will the Ranger PHEV be a diesel hybrid or petrol hybrid and what are its power and torque outputs?

The Ranger PHEV will combine a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine with an electric motor.

In the four-cylinder Ford Mustang this same petrol Ecoboost engine makes 235kW and 477Nm.

Ford said that the Ranger PHEV would have more torque than any other Ranger - diesel or petrol.

Currently the V6 diesel ranger makes 600Nm (and we know electric motors can produce big torque) so a Ranger PHEV could easily produce at least 650Nm.

Ford hasn’t revealed pricing for the Ranger PHEV.

What is the braked towing capacity of the Ranger PHEV?

Ford says the braked towing capacity of the Ranger PHEV will be 3500kg just like the regular diesel variants of the Ranger. But when CarsGuide asked if the Ranger's braked towing capacity in EV mode was 3500kg the answer was "No".

Of course in Australia it's unlikely you'll be towing in EV mode, so this isn't an issue. But in the UK and Europe where there are emission restrictions and even geofenced areas that require zero emissions, this could be a huge problem if you're towing a caravan or boat.

CarsGuide asked Ford if it knew what the EV mode braked towing capacity is but Ford's executives said they weren't able to share that information.

You will have to plug in the Ranger PHEV to either a household power point or a public fast charger if you want to get the best fuel economy.

What will be the electric driving range of the Ranger PHEV?

Ford says the "targeted" range of the Ranger PHEV will be 45km. This electric range will vary depending on if you're towing or carrying heavy objects in the tray.

What is the payload capacity of the Ranger PHEV?

Ford says the payload capacity of the Ranger PHEV will be the same as a regular diesel Ranger double cab. The payload capacity of the Ranger Wildtrak is 951kg for the four cylinder diesel and 966kg for the V6 diesel.

Ford says the Ranger PHEV will have the same off-road ability as the 4x4 Ranger and the same 800mm water wading capability.

Will I need to charge the Ranger PHEV and where is the charging flap located?

You will have to plug in the Ranger PHEV to either a household power point or a public fast charger if you want to get the best fuel economy. The engine will charge the battery similar to a generator along with regenerative braking but it's best to plug the Ranger PHEV into an external power supply whenever you can.

The charging flap is located next to the fuel flap, on the left-hand side towards the rear of the ute.

How long is the Ranger PHEV's charging cable and where is it stored?

The Ranger PHEV's charging cable is seven metres long and is stored under the seat in the second row.

Can I use the Ranger PHEV's battery to charge my tools, equipment, friedges and other appliances?

The Ranger will come with three 240 Volt/10 Amp power outlets - two in the tray and one in the cabin. The battery can therefore be used to charge electric tools for worksites or power fridges and lights for camping sites.

The Ranger PHEV will combine a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine with an electric motor.

Will the Ranger PHEV have the same four-wheel drive and water wading capability as a regular Ranger?

Ford says the Ranger PHEV will have the same off-road ability as the 4x4 Ranger and the same 800mm water wading capability.

What is the GVM of the Ranger PHEV?

The Gross Vehicle Mass of the Ranger PHEV is different to the regular Ranger due to the weight of the batteries.

Ford has not revealed what the Ranger PHEV's GVM will be but we'll keep you in the loop as soon as we know.