As fleets across Australia seek lower emissions and reduced fuel costs, the choice between traditional diesel-powered utes and emerging electrified alternatives is becoming more critical. With the 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV, businesses now have the opportunity to transition to a hybrid workhorse that delivers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing utility. But how does it compare to the diesel-powered Ford Ranger in fuel consumption and emissions?
Fuel Consumption: Hybrid vs Diesel Efficiency
The Ford Ranger PHEV boasts an exceptional fuel economy of 2.7L/100km (NEDC cycle), thanks to its 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine, 75kW electric motor, and 11.8kWh battery. This allows fleets to cut fuel costs significantly, particularly in urban driving scenarios where the vehicle can rely more on electric power.
In contrast, the Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel—one of the most popular choices for fleets—has a combined fuel consumption of approximately 8.4L/100km. The 2.0L bi-turbo diesel variant is slightly more efficient at 7.2L/100km, but it still lags behind the hybrid’s fuel-saving capabilities.
For fleet operators managing multiple vehicles, the potential savings from choosing the Ranger PHEV over a diesel-powered Ranger could translate into thousands of litres of fuel annually, significantly lowering operational costs.
Emissions Comparison: Lower CO2 with Hybrid Technology
Reducing emissions is now a priority for many fleets, particularly those operating in regulated industries or corporate sustainability programs. The Ford Ranger PHEV produces just 66g/km of CO2, a stark contrast to the diesel-powered variants.
For comparison:
- 3.0L V6 Diesel Ranger: ~220g/km CO2
- 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel Ranger: ~190g/km CO2
- Ford Ranger PHEV: 66g/km CO2
With emissions up to 70% lower than its diesel counterparts, the PHEV version offers fleets a future-proof solution as Australia moves towards stricter vehicle emissions standards. Lower CO2 output also enhances corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, making the Ranger PHEV a strategic investment for environmentally conscious businesses.
Which ‘E’ Are You Chasing?
When considering fleet electrification, organisations need to ask: Which ‘E’ are we chasing? Is it emissions reduction, efficiency, or economics? Each factor plays a crucial role in decision-making. While a fully electric ute may be the ultimate goal for many businesses, these vehicles remain limited in availability and often come with high price tags.
Until fully electric dual-cab utes become mainstream and more affordable, plug-in hybrid options like the Ranger PHEV present an effective middle ground. They allow businesses to achieve immediate emissions reductions while still benefiting from a proven utility vehicle capable of handling Australia’s demanding conditions.
Operational Flexibility: Urban Efficiency vs Long-Distance Towing
While the diesel Ford Ranger remains a strong contender for long-distance, high-towing applications, the Ranger PHEV is optimised for fuel efficiency in urban and mixed-use environments. With up to 48km of pure electric driving range, short city trips can be completed with zero fuel consumption, further reducing emissions.
Additionally, EV drive modes allow the Ranger PHEV to save battery power for optimal use in different driving conditions, a feature unavailable in diesel models.
The ability to tailor energy use ensures that organisations can strategically deploy the PHEV to high-efficiency tasks, maximising fuel savings while still maintaining long-distance capability through its petrol engine when required.
Why Reducing Emissions Now Matters
Even if a fully electric dual-cab ute is the ultimate destination, taking action now to reduce emissions still benefits businesses, employees, and the wider community. Lower emissions mean improved air quality, reduced fuel dependency, and cost savings over time.
By incorporating hybrid models like the Ranger PHEV, fleets can begin the transition to greener transport solutions without the immediate capital outlay of full electrification. This allows businesses to adapt gradually, ensuring they remain compliant with emerging emissions standards while also preparing for future zero-emission models.
Which Ranger is Best for Your Fleet?
For fleets covering extensive highway kilometres with heavy towing needs, the diesel-powered Ranger still has an edge. However, for urban operations, government fleets, and companies focused on sustainability and cost reduction, the Ranger PHEV offers the best balance of efficiency, performance, and lower environmental impact.
By choosing the Ranger PHEV, businesses are not just investing in a capable workhorse, but also positioning themselves for the future of low-emission commercial transport in Australia. The key question remains: Which ‘E’ are you prioritising?
