Gashing Up the Road with Ford Ranger PHEV - The Beast of Its Class
Redefining Power in Ford Ranger Lineup: The Plug-In Hybrid Model Leads as the Mightiest in the Series
Wanna rip through rough terrains while keeping mother nature happy? Ford's got just the ride for you. Say hello to the Ranger PHEV, the mightiest beast in its class, flexing its hybrid muscles! Sure, it’s a hybrid, but this ain't your grandma's Prius.
Iceland, the frozen island of extinct volcanoes and frost covers, has long been the crucible of real vehicles. For years, the Ford Ranger has been the indestructible workhorse on this barren land, harboring a 44% market share in Europe. To raise the stakes, Ford flipped the script with its hybrid variant-the Ranger PHEV. Is the beast still ruggedly dependable or just a half-baked compromise? Let’s find out!
As a hybrid SUV, the Ranger PHEV has some rightful bragging points. It cranks out a whopping 281 PS power and 697 Nm torque, which leaves its old diesel counterparts huffing in its dust. But power often comes with a price-literal weight increments. So, Ford took care not to add any excess pounds, sacrificing the battery size for payload and towing capacity - a wise move considering the importance of those two factors for most Ranger customers.
Your Battle Cry: Small Battery, Big Impact
Ford intentionally skimped on the battery size. A larger battery would have bumped up the weight and reduced the payload, compromising the Ranger's weight-carrying capacity, which ain't something those Norwegian fishermen can afford. Jim Baumbick, Ford's VP of product development, spills the tea: "For truck customers, payload, towing capacity, and productivity are essential. More battery for more range also means more weight, which eats up the payload."
Venture off-road on this ice-covered island, and the Ranger PHEV issues a mighty roar. No serious bumps or tricky terrains can stop this beast. Its electric motor provides the horsepower needed to conquer loose stones and scarped pathways without spinning helplessly. Add to that the traction control system, and the Ranger PHEV won't just make it through - it'll fly past its competition.
Water crossings of up to 80 cm stand no chance against the Ranger PHEV. It wades through with an air of nonchalance, making the river look as red as those Norwegian salmon. Despite its bulky appearance, the Ranger PHEV sports a ground clearance of 21.5 cm, thanks to its muscular build. With low-range gearing and a locking rear differential, it bursts out of sticky situations with the agility of a panther.
The Fast Charging Caveat
Ford Ranger PHEV has a sinister secret. So, wanna juice it up real quick? Don't hold your breath. Unlike other hybrids, the Ranger PHEV doesn't support fast-charging via direct current (DC). Instead, it takes a slooow four hours to fully charge through a standard household outlet. Ford claims an average fuel consumption of 3.2 liters per 100 km, but only if you charge that battery every chance you get and drive in optimal conditions. On the highway, with occasional charging and no windshield salesman, expect the consumption to reach a chilling 8 liters per 100 km. Sucks to be you, diesel would have been cheaper.
Spice up Your Adventure with "Pro Power Onboard System"
Ever wished you had a portable power station for your camping trip? Congratulations, the Ranger PHEV is about to make your dreams come true with the "Pro Power Onboard System." Hook up your electric gadgets and tools during your journeys and turn the Ranger PHEV into a legit powerhouse.
Rolling test with the Ford Ranger PHEV - a wonderful travel companion
The Ranger PHEV strikes a perfect balance, electrifying your everyday life and on-site work without compromising the off-road prowess for which the Ranger is renowned. If you're hunting for a hybrid that can handle work and pleasure equally well, and travel local without the guilt of carbon footprints, the Ford Ranger PHEV is the pick 'n' roll of your dreams.
In the race between clean energy and off-road performance, the Ford Ranger PHEV stands tall as a worthy contender, managing to merge both worlds with its exceptional power, impressive fuel efficiency, and on-point off-road capabilities. With the PHEV blooming as the drivetrain of choice in the Ranger lineup, traditional diesel engines might soon take a backseat during your wild adventures. Buckle up, because it's electrifying times ahead!
Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid - Technical Data
- Four-door, five-seat pickup in the 1-ton class with plug-in hybrid
- Length: 5.35 meters, width: 1.92 meters, height: 1.87 meters, wheelbase: 3.27 meters, towing capacity (braked): 3,500 kg, payload: 973 kg, loading area dimensions (L x W x H): 1.64 x 1.22 x 0.5 meters
- 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine and electric motor, system power: 207 kW/281 PS, maximum torque: 697 Nm at 2,500 rpm, all-wheel drive, 10-speed automatic, Vmax: 180 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 3.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 72 g/km, battery capacity: 11.8 kWh, electric range: 43 km, charging time AC: 4 hours.
- Ford's deliberate decision to reduce the battery size in the Ranger PHEV demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the vehicle's payload and towing capacity, essential factors for the vehicle's target customers.
- Despite its limited electric range of 43 km, the Ranger PHEV performs admirably off-road, showcasing its impressive horsepower, traction control system, and robust build that enables it to conquer various tricky terrains.
- In accordance with Ford's focus on community policy and environmental responsibility, the Ranger PHEV offers a "Pro Power Onboard System," transforming the vehicle into a portable power station for camping trips and other off-grid situations.
- With the growing popularity of the plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the Ranger lineup, the traditional diesel engines may soon be overshadowed, ushering in an era of cleaner, more efficient vehicles for adventurers everywhere.
