Ford Everest plug-in hybrid ruled out, for now
09/19/2023 01:00 AM
After lifting the lid on a plug-in hybrid option for the Ford Ranger, will the same technology be offered in the Ford Everest off-road wagon which shares the ute’s DNA?
The Ford Everest off-road wagon is not about to get the option of plug-in hybrid power – even though the technology will soon become available on the vehicle on which the Everest is based.
A plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Ranger ute is due to go into production next year after the company formally announced its plans during a media briefing last week.
But when the boss of Ford Australia, Andrew Birkic, was asked if the plug-in hybrid technology would also be offered on the Ford Everest off-road wagon, the executive initially side-stepped the question, told media how amazing the diesel Everest was, before eventually adding: “We have nothing to share today about any change to (Everest) powertrain.”
Drive understands a plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Everest is on the back-burner for now, but it could be fast-tracked if new regulations – or sudden customer demand for such a vehicle – forced the company’s hand.
It is likely Ford has crunched the numbers and seen the lukewarm reception plug-in hybrid technology has received in markets where the Everest is sold, including Australia.
Europe is one of the largest markets for plug-in hybrids – due to generous government incentives and tax breaks on vehicles equipped with the technology – but the Ford Everest is not currently sold there.
Plug-in hybrid technology was originally touted as a stepping stone from petrol or diesel cars to electric power, because it offers about 50km of electric power before the petrol engine takes over to deliver normal range .
However, customers with a focus on low- or zero-emissions vehicles have leap-frogged plug-in hybrid technology and embraced electric cars instead.
Contrary to industry forecasts, new-car buyers have been slow to embrace plug-in hybrid power.
In Australia, plug-in hybrids are the least popular option when it comes to low-emissions or zero-emissions technology.
Plug-in hybrids accounted for just 0.7 per cent of the new-car market in Australia so far this year, with just 5500 plug-in hybrid vehicles reported as sold in the first eight months of 2023, versus just 4000 over the same period last year.
In contrast, almost 60,000 hybrid cars and almost 57,000 solely electric cars have been sold in Australia so far this year, each representing approximately 7.5 per cent of the total motor vehicle market – or 15 per cent of sales when hybrid and electric cars are combined.
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