Aussie appetite for hybrid ute confirmed with Ford survey

Ford is keen for you to know that sixty per cent of Australian drivers would be ‘more likely’ to buy an electrified vehicle, if it offered greater towing capability, according to a recent survey they undertook across the globe.

Asked questions about all the main types of EV’s, including hybrids, in all its forms, and fully electric models, respondents (47 per cent of them) said they want off-road capability too. It's a nice segue to the impending arrival of Ford's plug-in hybrid Ranger ute.

“When the Ranger PHEV arrives here in 2025, buyers can rest assured it has been developed with their needs in mind, providing the full experience, including 3500kg [braked ]towing and off-road capability,” Ford Australia marketing manager Ambrose Henderson said.

“[That’s] along with the added benefit of electric-only driving and off-grid power via Pro Power Onboard.”

Pairing a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system, the Ranger PHEV boasts an advanced 4WD system that includes low-range gearing, selectable drive modes and a rear locking differential.

Data from more than 10,000 Rangers, covering more than five million journeys, revealed that 59 per cent of owners drive in 4A for all-road performance while 45 per cent engaged 4H with 11 percent tackling hardcore terrain requiring 4L.

Around 45 percent of owners engaged the rear locking-differential. Thirty per cent (or 3,490 vehicles) logged heavy towing journeys where the Ranger’s integrated trailer brake controller⁷ was active.

“Real-world customer usage, combined with Ford’s own research that customers are looking for an electrified vehicle with off-road and towing capability is proof that Ranger PHEV is the right kind of electrified ute for Australia,” Henderson added.

Data from 11.3 million Ranger journeys across Australia also revealed that the average driving distance was 40km or less each day. That’s an important stat when you consider the 45km EV-only range of the PHEV ute variant.

The National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association has also released data that shows PHEV owners use EV power for 65 per cent of their trip, with 57 per cent of drivers plugging in their vehicle every night.

The Ford survey was conducted by global research and analytics consultancy Escalent in May 2024, and covered 1,470 participants across Australia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the UAE.

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