A Ford survey has found Australian ute drivers would be “more likely” to buy an electrified vehicle if it had greater towing and off-road capabilities.
Potential electric and hybrid ute drivers want a vehicle with a greater towing capacity and off-road capability, a new survey by Ford claims.
Ford said its survey found 60 per cent of drivers would be “more likely” to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle if it could tow a higher amount than current offerings.
The brand defines an electrified vehicle as a mild-hybrid (MHEV), hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric (BEV) – including the Ford Ranger PHEV ute due in Australia in the first half of 2025.
MORE: Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid: What’s the difference?
Australia’s first battery-electric ute, the LDV eT60, was limited to a 1000-kilogram braked towing capacity, while the first orderable plug-in hybrid ute, the BYD Shark 6, has a 2500kg limit.
BYD has promised an upgraded Shark 6 model with a 3500-kilogram braked towing capacity – likely with a 2.0-litre engine instead of the current 1.5-litre unit – is in development, matching the upcoming Ranger PHEV and meeting the current status quo in the light-commercial ute segment.
LDV claims the successor to the eT60 – the LDV eTerron 9 – will have a 3500-kilogram braked towing limit, as it was built from the ground up as an electric vehicle.
Ford’s survey revealed 47 per cent of those surveyed are looking for an electrified vehicle with improved off-road capabilities.
The survey sampled 1470 people in Australia, New Zealand and seven other countries in Asia and the Middle East where the Ranger ute is sold.
Connected-vehicle data obtained from 10,000 current-generation Rangers between 1 June 2022 and 5 September 2023 shows 59 per cent of drivers used their 4WD automatic (4A) drive mode, 45 per cent engaged 4WD high (4H), 11 per cent used 4WD low (4L), and 45 per cent engaged the rear differential lock.
The integrated trailer brake controller – which controls the electric brakes of an attached trailer – was used by 30 per cent of Ranger drivers, according to the data obtained by the brand.
Previously cited customer data revealed the average daily driving distance of a Ford Ranger is 40 kilometres or less – with the Ranger PHEV rated to travel “over 45km” in the electric-only drive mode based on the European WLTP lab-test standard.
“We know Ranger owners take their vehicles off-road and tow, making use of Ranger’s capability,” said Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson.
“The fact that Ranger PHEV maintains these core attributes is something we know customers will love.
“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.”
While the BYD Shark 6 does not include the Ranger PHEV’s low-range gearing, differential locks, or live-sprung live rear axle, these features are found in the GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4T plug-in hybrid ute due in Australia in March or April 2025.
For further technical details on the Ford Ranger PHEV, click on the link below.
MORE: 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV detailed – Plug-in hybrid ute on track for Australia next year
Ford has not announced any plans to offer a battery-electric ute in Australia – instead choosing plug-in hybrid technology for the Ranger – however, it sells the full-size F-150 Lightning overseas.
The F-150 Lightning has a braked towing capacity of up to 4500kg and a payload of up to 1000kg – but overseas media and customer reports have found driving range can fall significantly when either figure is maxed out.
The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV is due in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year, with further details – including local pricing and specifications – to be confirmed closer to its arrival.
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