Ford Ranger and Everest hybrids on the cards

It’s only a matter of time before we see hybrid versions of Ford Australia’s most popular model, the Ranger, and its SUV stablemate, the Ford Everest.

Speaking at the 2022 Ford Everest reveal, T6 platform lead Ian Foston reaffirmed the capability is there, yet would not add confirmation to his comments.

“The platform has been engineered to enable electrification moving through this next generation product suite that we’re launching,” said Foston, who credits the ‘hydroform’ process used in packaging the new 2022 Everest’s front-end as creating better opportunities.

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2023 Ford Everest

Significantly, it enabled smarter electrical architecture and drivetrain packaging, alongside the Everest’s new V6 and 10-speed transmission.

“It also leaves room for the electrification for the mild hybrid transmission that goes in between the bell housing and the transmission,” Foston said.

When probed more directly, the T6 lead added: “We’ve got nothing to share today.”

While a full battery-electric vehicle (BEV) seems less likely, a hybrid Ranger and Everest are almost ready-made given the 2019 shareholder meeting announcement of a hybrid Bronco – as well as persistent rumours and company leaks since.

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2023 Ford Ranger

All three vehicles – Ranger, Everest and Bronco – share the same core T6 platform, with the hybrid Bronco expected to arrive for North America’s 2024 model year.

Additionally, rumours persist the Bronco will use a twin-turbo V6 petrol powertrain, which would point to the new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet of the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Australia.

The current T6 platform, introduced in 2011, is expected to run through to 2028 – after which Ranger and Everest need to be part of Ford’s global commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050.

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2023 Ford Bronco

In making that pledge, Ford expected 40 per cent of its line-up would have some sort of electrification – from hybrid to BEV – by 2030.

The next Ranger, and therefore Everest, is expected to share the same platform as the F-Series, following Ford’s announcement that it will consolidate platforms globally.

That goes hand-in-hand with Foston’s intimation that existing Ford global hardware is compatible with Ranger and Everest’s T6 platform, and newly engineered components wouldn’t be required to create a hybrid Ranger or Everest.

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2022 Ford Maverick

While Ford’s march to electrification in North America and Europe has been ambitious, its battery-electric Mustang Mach-E (which is offered in RHD in the UK), and F-150 Lightning have been well received.

Most recently, its smallest pick-up – the C2 platform-based Maverick – is a price leader which has a hybrid powertrain as standard, with hybrid or electric Escape, Explorer, and Transit available stateside, too.

Despite the global gains, Ford Australia doesn’t offer a single hybrid model. Its Escape PHEV model, previously due in 2020, was delayed due to battery issues and stock shortages that saw EU markets – where manufacturers’ overall emissions are critical – prioritised from its Spain factory, all while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid temporarily became the best-selling hybrid in Australia.