Ford claims a survey of more than 10,000 Rangers and use cases from a variety of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) has provided the formula to the ideal electric ute.
Ford Australia analysed connected services data from over 5 million Ranger journeys, from June 2022-September 2023, to discover exactly owners used their vehicles' powertrains and towing/4x4 ability, as part of its development for the forthcoming Ranger PHEV.
All current-model Rangers (all Fords, in fact) have SIM cards embedded that provide "live" services to owners via a mobile app, and can capture and send data to the factory.
According to the data, 59% of owners operate the vehicle in 4A (automatic AWD) for better all-road performance, while 45% engage 4H (for off-road driving) and 11% 4L (for demanding low-speed 4x4 work). Also, 45% engaged the rear locking differential.
Thirty percent (3490 vehicles) logged "heavy towing" activities that employed the integrated trailer brake controller.
Ford also looked at data from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association in Australia to understand how PHEV drivers in general charge their vehicles. It showed that PHEV drivers only use pure-electric power for 65% of their trips; 57% of users plug their vehicles in every night.
Further data from 11.3m Ranger journeys across Australia showed that the average driving distance each day was 40km.
A further survey of 1470 Ranger drivers across key ute markets, including New Zealand, revealed that 60% said they would be "more likely" to buy an electrified vehicle with greater towing ability and 47% said they wanted genuine off-road ability.
Ford says all of the above helped it settle on the key specifications for the Ranger PHEV, which is set for launch next year. It will be powered by a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine with an integrated electric motor and 11.8kWh plug-in battery pack, with a "targeted" range of 45km.
The battery can also be used for Ford's Pro Power Onboard, which provides up to 6.9kW of power for external devices via three power outlets: one in the cabin and two in the tray.
Ranger PHEV retains a full 4x4 drivetrain with low-range and a 3.5-tonne tow rating.