Towing and off-road ability a must for Australian EV ute buyers, says Ford

About 60% of Australian drivers would be ‘more likely’ to buy an electrified vehicle if it offered greater towing capability, says a Ford Motor Company survey.

\While 47% told Ford they were looking for something with off-road capability.

“When the Ranger PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) 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 off-road capability, along with the added benefit of electric-only driving and off-grid power via Pro Power Onboard,” says Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson.

It pairs a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system.

The Ranger PHEV includes an advanced four-wheel drive (4WD) system including low-range gearing, selectable drive modes for on- and off-road adventures, as well as a rear locking differential and 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity, says Ford.

Data from more than 10,000 Rangers, covering more than five million journeys, reveals 595 of owners drive in 4A for all-road performance while 45% engaged 4H with 11% tackling hardcore terrain requiring 4L.

“Additionally, 45% of owners engaged the rear locking-differential,” says Ford.

Ranger owners spend considerable time towing with about 30% (or 3490 vehicles) logging heavy towing journeys where the Ranger’s in-segment integrated trailer brake controller 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,” says Henderson.

Its usable 11.8kWh rechargeable battery was chosen because it would meet the needs of most drivers, says Ford.

“The team studied how Ranger drivers used their vehicles and the average daily distances they drove,” says Henderson.

“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.”

Data from 11.3 million journeys by Rangers across Australia reveals the average daily driving distance was 40km or less.

Recent data from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) shows PHEV drivers use only electric power for two-thirds (65%) of their trip on average, says Ford, adding 57% of PHEV drivers plug in their vehicle every night. The survey was done by global research and analytics consultancy, Escalent in May 2024 covering 1470 people across Australia, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates