Ford Announces Hybrid Ranger Bakkie
Ford has announced that the American car brand will introduce a hybrid version of the beloved Ranger, which will add a plug-in variant for one of South Africa’s most popular vehicles.
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, which will launch in 2025, will combine electric driving capability with the adventure-ready versatility and work-ready dependability customers have come to expect from Ranger.
The first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will mark a significant step forward in Ford’s plans to offer a wide range of powertrain options for customers in the mid-sized pick-up segment.
The model will feature a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system. It can be driven in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres without using a drop of fuel or producing tailpipe emissions, helping customers save at the pump. 
The targeted maximum braked towing capacity of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is 3,500 kg – the same as the rest of the Ranger line-up.
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will also feature Pro Power Onboard, enabling customers to power their tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed and the cabin. That means noisy, bulky, heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment.
The car also comes equipped with Ranger’s proven four-wheel-drive capability, selectable drive modes and advanced driver safety and driver assist features.
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is currently confirmed for an Australian and New Zealand launch, with no confirmation on a South African release yet. However, given the popularity of the bakkie in the local market, it’s only a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’.