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Ford Ranger PHEV hybrid pickup tested in mountain rescue operations

© ford.de
Ford Ranger PHEV is being tested by Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service for its torque, off-road performance, and mobile power capabilities in winter conditions.
Michael Powers, Editor

The Ford Ranger PHEV hybrid pickup has begun testing with the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service in Germany. The vehicle is being used in training operations to transport equipment and evaluate its suitability for permanent deployment.

The six-month test period involves putting the truck through challenging winter conditions, including deep snow. Initial results show the pickup delivers impressive torque—up to 697 Nm—enabling it to tow gear and equipment even in rough terrain.

Thanks to its Pro Power Onboard system, the Ranger PHEV also serves as a mobile power source. This allows rescue teams to operate equipment directly from the vehicle, such as tools for securing anchor points on rock faces.

Already available in Europe and built at Ford’s South African plant, the Ranger PHEV offers up to 43 km of electric-only range while retaining the off-road and towing capabilities of its combustion-engine counterpart. These trials highlight how such vehicles can blend off-road performance with electric power functionality, opening up new use cases for equipment in demanding environments.