Ford says any future Ranger EV must match ute capability

Ford says it remains focused on delivering the capability customers expect from the Ranger as it evaluates future electrification options, including a potential battery-electric version of its best-selling ute.

Speaking at a recent Ranger media event in Australia, Ranger T6 platform programme director Mario Brandini said customer requirements continue to drive product development decisions.

The world is “in debate of where it’s going, what’s the future of diesel, what’s the future of gas or petrol, how far do you tip in electrification?” Brandini says.

He says Ford’s approach is to start with customer needs before deciding how technology can meet them.

“We’re out talking to the customers, working out what we really need and then looking how technology can help deliver that.”

Brandini says the current Ranger still has significant life left in it, pointing to the expanding range of variants developed from the flexible T6 platform, including the Ranger Raptor, Ranger Plug-in Hybrid and the recently unveiled Ranger Super Duty.

He says the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid demonstrates Ford’s approach to electrification.

“It’s delivering because we looked at technology, we looked at what customers wanted, they wanted capability but they wanted a level of electrification.

“Some companies have gone one way for a lot of electrification and lose capability. We’ve made sure that we’ve delivered what the customer wants while not losing capability.”

Brandini says Ford continues to work closely with fleet operators and other customers to understand future requirements.

“We are out with our customers, with our fleets, asking what do you need, what do you want, how can technology then close that gap.”

He says the adaptability of the T6 platform gives Ford flexibility to respond as technology evolves.

As for a fully electric Ranger, Brandini says current battery-electric technology still presents challenges when it comes to delivering the capability expected from a ute.

“I would say that full EV, in terms of what this type of vehicle can do, if you want to deliver the capability, it’s just laws of physics, you can’t get there. But it doesn’t mean you can’t in the future.

“So we continue to look at that and then look at the benefit… will the customer benefit from that value?”