What next? A Fully Electric Ford Ranger?

Why yes, as it happens, and it could come hot on the heels of the Ranger PHEV that’s due here next year.

If it goes ahead, the fully electric model should hit New Zealand shores in 2027. That’s sure to give the cockies something to chinwag about at the local. Only Ford may cancel the concept because of current slow sales of the F-150 Lightning.

Still, comments made by Ford Boss, Jim Farley, during the recent Q3 earnings call at Ford suggest an electric Ranger is on the drawing boards. 

The all-electric pick-up truck is evidently under development in California, as is a fresh platform that won’t be shared with VW Amarok. 

The only electric pick-up Ford makes at present is the F-150 Lightning. It has throttled back production of this as demand for the model wanes. 

Meantime, Farley is enthusiastic about the electric model that is currently a skunkworks project. He said “In 40 years in the industry, I’ve seen a lot of game changer products. But the midsize electric pick-up designed by our California team has got to be one of the most exciting. 

“It’s [an] incredible package and consumer technology for a segment we know well. It matches the cost structure of any Chinese auto manufacturer building in Mexico in the future.”

The current Ranger has already been electrified with plug-in hybrid power, but its 11.8kWh battery provides just over 40km of electric-only range. 

While technical details are unknown, the Ranger EV will be wanting to at least match the range of the LDV T90 EV which is 350km.