Ford reveals towing and offroad ability is essential for Aussie EV ute buyers
|
|
Time to read 3 min
New data reveals Aussie drivers prioritise towing and offroad ability in EVs, with Ford’s Plug-in hybrid Ranger PHEV set to deliver both.
Ford’s latest research has shown that for Aussie ute buyers, towing and offroad capability are essential, with 60 per cent of respondents saying they’d be more likely to buy an electric vehicle if it could tow. Meanwhile, 47 per cent said offroad performance was just as important.
“When the Ranger PHEV arrives here in 2025, buyers can rest assured it has been developed with their needs in mind, providing the full Ranger experience, including 3500kg towing and offroad capability, along with the added benefit of electric-only driving and off-grid power via Pro Power Onboard,” said Ambrose Henderson, marketing director of Ford Australia.
Staying true to Ford Ranger’s strengths
Ford has made sure the Ranger PHEV stays true to the features that have made the Ford Ranger Australia’s best-selling ute. The new hybrid combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine with an electric motor and battery, giving it all the offroad and towing power Aussie drivers expect. The PHEV keeps the same 4WD system, low-range gearing, selectable drive modes for both on-road and offroad conditions and rear locking differential. It also retains the 3500kg braked towing capacity, so it’s ready for any adventure.
“We know Ranger owners take their vehicles offroad and tow, making use of Ranger’s capability. So, the fact that Ranger PHEV maintains these core attributes is something we know customers will love,” said Henderson.
Ford’s data backs this up. In a study of more than 10,000 Ford Rangers and five million journeys, it was found that 59 per cent of drivers use 4A for all-road driving, 45 per cent for 4H and 11 per cent tackle tough terrain with 4L. Also, 45 per cent of owners use the rear locking differential regularly, which is essential for serious offroading.
Towing isn’t just for the weekend
Ford Ranger owners aren’t just towing the occasional box trailer. Ford found that 30 per cent of Rangers — over 3400 vehicles — are regularly used for heavy towing, making full use of the ute’s integrated trailer brake controller.
“Real-world customer usage, combined with Ford’s own research that customers are looking for an electrified vehicle with offroad and towing capability is proof that Ranger PHEV is the right kind of electrified ute for Australia,” said Henderson.
Designed with real-world data
Ford developed the Ranger PHEV by studying how Ranger owners use their vehicles. They took into account real-world driving habits, ensuring the PHEV delivers the same high level of performance. The 11.8kW battery provides a soldi electric range without cutting back on towing or offroad ability. Plus, with Pro Power onboard, it doubles as a mobile power source, giving you even more flexibility.
“The team studied how Ranger drivers used their vehicles and the average daily distances they drove. We also studied the charging habits of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle owners and used this information to inform the electrification of Ranger’s drivetrain,” commented Henderson.
Ford’s data shows that most Ranger owners drive less than 40km a day, and PHEV drivers typically use electric power for about two-thirds of their trips. In fact, 57 per cent of PHEV owners plug in their vehicles every night.
“Thanks to Ranger PHEV’s EV drive modes, we’re confident that owners will enjoy the flexibility to use the battery for short electric-only journeys or in conjunction with the petrol engine for long range touring and towing,” said Henderson.
For Aussies who need a reliable, capable vehicle for towing and offroading, the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV plug-in hybrid looks set to meet all the demands of the modern Aussie driver.
For more information, head to the Ford Australia website.
Or, to read our sister brand Caravan World's insights on the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV plug-in hybrid, head here.
THE NEXT STEP
To keep up to date with the latest RV news, camper trailers, 4WDs, camping gear and the best places to go on your next outdoor adventure, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter. We promise to send only the best content.
Related articles:
The new Ford Ranger Tremor: Built for adventure
More than 350,000 D-MAX AND MU-X on Australian roads
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.