Ford has confirmed that the current generation Ford Ranger’s line-up will be expanded in 2025 to include a plug-in hybrid. The Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be powered by a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol EcoBoost engine – the same power unit driving the entry variant Mustang.

The confirmation came from Ford Australia and New Zealand but before you make a jump to conclude that since Australia imports the Ranger from Thailand, so the Ranger PHEV will surely be launched in Southeast Asia, remember that Ford's Thai plant doesn't make any models with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

Also, Thailand's tax structure penalizes petrol-powered trucks. Currently, only the North American market Ford Ranger comes with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. However, there are rumours that this petrol-powered variant will be extended to South Africa.

Introduction in Malaysia is still unclear, as plug-in hybrids, especially imported ones, don’t enjoy any tax cuts, thus making the Ranger PHEV prohibitively expensive.

Ford says the Ranger PHEV will retain all the capabilities of a regular diesel-powered Ranger, with the same maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg and selectable 4x4 drive modes.

Power output is not disclosed but Ford says the plug-in charging-capable Ranger will have an electric-only driving range of up to 45 km.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family – offering customers zero-tailpipe emissions EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible on- and off-road performance,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.

“Ranger Plug-In Hybrid will bring all of the towing and payload capability our Australian customers expect of Ranger, and with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners will have power for both work and play.”

The Ranger PHEV will also come with a Pro Power Onboard feature, which runs the combustion engine as a power generator. Users can plug in their power tools and other electrical appliances into the Ranger’s built-in power outlet inside the cabin and on the cargo bed.

Prices of the Ranger PHEV have yet to be confirmed but Australian publication GoAuto says it will be within the Ranger Raptor’s range. For the same money, customers can choose between a rally-bred high performance truck or a highly fuel efficient one.

In Malaysia, the made-in-Thailand (CBU) Ford Ranger Raptor is sold RM 248,888 for the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel-powered variant. The 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol variant is priced at RM 259,888.