Ford: Electric tech not capable enough to justify BEV Ranger yet

Those eagerly anticipating a fully electric version of the country’s most popular ute, the Ford Ranger, should not hold their breath.

Speaking to media at the recent launch of the MY2026 Ford Ranger and Everest, the brand confirmed that whilst it is evaluating the prospects of a dedicated BEV Ranger ute, the technology — and customer demand — is not there yet to justify the move.

The notion of a fully electric Ranger was once considered to be just around the corner, following the launch of the F-150 Lightning BEV in the US several years ago, and the trademarking of the ‘Ranger Lightning’ moniker overseas. 

But, market conditions have not been kind to the F-150 Lightning. Following underwhelming sales, Ford confirmed late last year that the model would be discontinued and that its replacement would be a plug-in hybrid with a petrol engine.

Ford Australia’s vehicle program director for the Ranger’s T6 platform, said in respect to whether Ford is looking at developing an EV Ranger that the brand is “looking at everything”. But, he noted that EV technology is not currently able to do what a diesel or plug-in hybrid can do. 

“You could [make a Ranger EV], if the technology allowed it to deliver the capability we’re looking for,” he said.

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

“We’re looking at technology and where it’s going and what it can offer, and can it offer something back to the customer that they use. At the end of the day it’s a business equation. We need to make sure that where the technology is going, can it deliver what the customer is looking for. 

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

Ford Australia director of marketing Ambrose Henderson added that Australia’s lack of electric vehicle infrastructure also negates the prospects of a fully electric Ranger.

“The plans that we work on are based on what these customers do. And when you think about what these customers do and the infrastructure that’s available around Australia, there’s not a point yet where a full BEV is going to be delivered for these customers,” said Henderson.

“In the market there’s lots of headlines around the surge in EVs and that sort of thing, but when you look into it the surge in EVs is coming from small and medium SUVs where they don’t require the capability because that’s the level EV technology is at these days. You can deliver in that space. 

“But when you’re towing 3.5 tonnes, it’s not at that level. Nor is there the infrastructure around Australia to deliver at that level yet. [...] I think it’s really important that we focus on what the customer needs — not just wants but needs — in the Australian environment. And we’re focused on delivering.” 

Currently, there is just one fully electric ute on sale in New Zealand, and that’s the Geely Riddara RD6. Launched locally last year, the Chinese pick-up is rated to tow up to 3000kg braked, and has a 1030kg payload rating. But of course, a full load in the bed or a trailer on the back will harm the model’s 360km WLTP-rated range.

Soon, Toyota’s fully electric Hilux will arrive in the country. It boasts a 2000kg braked towing capacity and a 240km range. CarExpert NZ got its hands on the electric Hilux at a local launch event earlier this month, with our first impressions coming soon. 

There is one electric pick-up (or rather, a pair of sibling pick-ups) that does have a claimed 3500kg towing capacity, and that’s the MG U9 EV and LDV eTerron 9. Whilst neither have been fully confirmed for our market, MG has teased that the electric U9 could be on the menu locally before the end of the year.