Ford ships first hybrid Ranger made in Africa

March 28, 2025

From the newsletter

US automotive giant Ford Motor Company has shipped the first-ever Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles made in South Africa to Australia and New Zealand. The Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria is the only global production source for the Ford Ranger PHEV and produces 200 units daily. The vehicle combines a 2.3-litre engine and an 11.8 kWh battery. 

  • While Ford produces the Ranger pick-up in several locations globally including the US, Thailand and Argentina, it chose the South Africa plant to be the sole manufacturer of the Ranger PHEV globally. This is a major boost to Africa’s EV industry, as the company has hinted that the PHEV could be the first step towards fully electrifying the South Africa production line.  

  • Global demand for PHEVs is experiencing a surge, with sales outpacing those of fully electric vehicles in some regions, though the overall market share remains relatively small. PHEVs are seen as a bridge to full electrification. 

More details

  • The shipment comes two years after Ford made an investment of $285 million in 2023 to upgrade the Silverton plant to accommodate for the manufacturing of PHEVs. This included a brand-new battery assembly plant and modernisations to the existing body shop and assembly lines.

  • The Ford Ranger remains one of South Africa’s top exports, with 66,284 units exported in 2024, making it the leading light commercial vehicle (LCV) export and third overall in the passenger and LCV segments. The company, which made the first exports of the PHEV from the plant to Australia and New Zealand this week, hopes the PHEV will also gain significant traction in the global market. 

  • The Ford Ranger PHEV is designed to offer a targeted electric-only driving range of around 45 km. The vehicle includes the Pro Power Onboard system, allowing users to power tools and equipment from the vehicle's outlets, with options for 2.3kW or 6.9kW output. 

  • While the Ford Ranger PHEV is being made in South Africa, the vehicle has not yet been made available for sale there yet. This means that Ford is set to be beaten to the title of the first PHEV pick-up seller in South Africa by BYD, which aims to introduce the BYD Shark 6 PHEV pick-up before the end of March 2025. A number of local BYD dealerships have already opened pre-orders for the new Shark.

  • Pick-up trucks are highly popular in Africa, due to their ability to handle rough terrain, and to carry heavy loads. Most of the pick-ups sold on the continent use fuel, including popular brands like the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger. However, electric pick-ups such as the JAC T9 EV are making headway in some markets like Kenya. 

  • While the electric and hybrid pick-up market in Africa is still in its nascent stage, it is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. The improvement in disposable income is generally expected to enable more individuals on the continent to afford cars, while the increased availability of charging stations is expected to help the uptake of light commercial electric vehicles such as pick-picks.  

Our take

  • BYD is positioning itself as a leader in the hybrid pick-up market in South Africa by introducing the Shark 6 PHEV before Ford's Ranger PHEV becomes available locally. By beating Ford to the market, BYD could capitalize on early adopters and establish a foothold in this segment. 

  • Pick-ups are already popular for their durability and versatility, particularly in rugged terrains. The introduction of electric options, such as the JAC T9 EV and other hybrids, will likely lead to significant growth in the electric pick-up segment.

  • As electric and hybrid pick-ups gain traction, African countries will likely accelerate investments in charging infrastructure. This growth could include partnerships between governments, energy providers, and automotive companies to ensure accessibility for consumers, further boosting demand for electric vehicles.