Specific styling elements are part of the ute’s entry into the electric-sphere.

MORE than special badging will differentiate the impending petrol plug-in hybrid editions of the country’s top-selling utility from the well-established diesel types.

Information from Ford is that the PHEV models - in Sport, XLT, Wildtrak and the limited-edition Stormtrack formats - will also look a bit different than ones equipped with the standard powertrains.

Likewise, the various PHEV types will stand out from one another.

Aside from the PHEV badging near the front wheel arches, the entry type achieves more aerodynamic wheels and potentially halogen lights, versus the LEDs present on the 2.0-litre biturbo four and 3.0-litre V6 diesel variants.

The Sport gets the same badging and a new wheel design, as well.

The Wildtrak is equipped with its own unique wheel design in PHEV guise, while the Stormtrack is finished in a unique shade called Chill Grey, accented by unique wheels with the same-coloured highlights, body-color trim, ‘Ranger’ lettering on the bonnet, thicker roof rails, matrix LED headlights, the 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio setup, and a Flexible Rack System.

Ford Ranger PHEV models are the only ones that will come with external power outlets, too.

Ford is close to releasing its electrified version of the mid-size ute, which it showed off in September 2023.

The vehicle pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor and an 11.8kWh battery pack to provide a targeted 45 kilometres of all-electric driving range and 3500 kilograms of max towing capacity.

An output of 205kW and 690Nm has been cited.

Ford has also indicated the drivetrain will have four drive modes – Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge.

Whereas diesel Ranger comes from Thailand, the PHEV will arrive from South Africa, being a product of the Silverton plant that also provisions the sister Amarok to NZ.

It is presumed the Volkswagen will in time also adopt the PHEV drivetrain, but is is not clear when that will happen.