Ford Ranger with electric drive and stealth capabilities now available
The Ford Ranger can now be equipped with an electric motor and run on jet fuel – and no, this isn’t an April Fools day joke.
The next-generation Ford Ranger can now be ordered with electric drive – but there’s a catch which will prevent most Australian motorists from getting the chance to drive this stealthy dual-cab ute.
Ford’s Global Fleet Sales division has unveiled the FG-P – a light tactical vehicle based on the best-selling Ranger ute, designed to be used in high-risk environments which call for silent movement.
The Ford FG-P is developed and built by Thai engineering firm RMA Automotive – the company which is responsible for the left- to right-hand-drive conversion of the Ford F-150 pick-up for Australia.
It’s not the first time Ford has sold factory-backed specialist vehicles based on the Ranger and its Everest twin, having made a wide range of security and law enforcement vehicles during the model’s previous generation.
On the surface, the FG-P looks like a regular Ford Ranger which has been modified to go bush-bashing, but under the skin it is kitted out with features not available to the general public.
The range of four-cylinder and V6 diesels engines which power the standard Ford Ranger drive the FG-P’s four wheels for most of the time, though the tactical vehicle has also been equipped with an electric motor and battery pack – silently driving the rear axle under certain conditions.
The electric motor can be activated when the ute’s transmission is put into neutral and its ‘silent mode’ is engaged – allowing it to drive at speeds up to 20km/h, though higher speeds are available upon request.
Ford doesn’t detail what size batteries are available, however it claims the electric-only drive mode can be operated for 2km to 20km depending on the power pack’s size.
Additionally, the Ford Ranger FG-P is capable of operating in its ‘Black Out’ mode – which switches off all internal and external lights to avoid being spotted while on the move.
Ford also provides customers the option of ordering a ‘jet fuel compatibility’ package, which can allow the diesel engine to run on F63, JP8, or similar low-viscosity fuels when low-sulphur diesel isn’t available.
The jet fuel conversion includes a new catalytic converter-free exhaust system, a blocked-off exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and a recalibrated engine control unit (ECU).
Further upgrades have been made under the Ranger’s bodywork to prepare it for extensive off-road driving and cargo carrying.
This includes a gross vehicle mass (GVM) increase from 3350kg to 3500kg, which is achieved through the fitment of upgraded, heavy-duty springs and dampers at the front and rear.
Ford doesn’t provide a price for the Ranger FG-P, though it’s likely to come at a hefty premium above the ute’s circa-$36,000 to $80,000 list prices in Australia.
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