Ford simply launched the closely up to date 2024 Ranger. And whereas the pickup gained a trio of impressively powered engines, noticeably lacking was any form of hybrid or plug-in hybrid choice. Which may be altering as quickly as subsequent 12 months, as Australian outlet Drive experiences that the Ranger is outwardly gaining a plug-in hybrid variant for the Australian market that can finally be bought right here within the U.S.

Whereas Drive mentions that Ford Australia hasn’t precisely confirmed this, they’ve allegedly seen plans displaying that the PHEV is coming subsequent 12 months as a part of some 2024 updates. If these updates sound unusual to you contemplating that the Ranger was simply up to date, do not forget that the Ranger we’re getting as has been on sale in the remainder of the world since 2021.

Ford has additionally type of confirmed and hinted that the Ranger (and Ranger-based Everest SUV not bought within the U.S.) was designed from the bottom up to tackle electrical and hybrid powertrain choices. As for what precisely will energy this PHEV Ranger, Drive says that it’ll be powered by the two.3 liter Ecoboost I4 —that sees obligation in all the things from Lincoln crossovers to the Ford Explorer— paired with both single or twin electrical motors.

If Ford performs this proper, it could possibly be a success. Apart from Ram’s delicate hybrids, Ford’s personal Maverick Hybrid (should you can discover one), and Toyota’s i-Drive Max engines within the Tundra and new Tacoma, there aren’t many different hybrid pickups, not to mention plug-in hybrid fashions. However Ford is struggling to maintain up with consumers who need the Maverick as it’s, and PHEVs are typically pricier than their gasoline and hybrid counterparts. Hopefully, Ford doesn’t find yourself with one other standard however dear truck nobody can get their palms on.

I emailed Ford for remark and can replace this story if I hear again.

Replace: Ford bought again to us and declined to remark or speculate on future merchandise.