Electric Ford Ranger, Mustang and Bronco on the cards? Ford outlines its plans to electrify popular models instead of create new ones: report

According to industry source Automotive News, Ford has outlined to dealers its plan to electrify its most popular nameplates rather than introduce new ones, as it did in the case of the Mustang Mach-E SUV. But could that mean electric versions of the Ranger, Escape, and Focus to meet its goals of 40 per cent electric sales by 2030?

Ford has already revealed in America it is working on an electric version of the Lincoln Aviator large SUV from its luxury arm and has confirmed an electric version of the popular Explorer large SUV will follow, both in 2023. It also flagged hybrid versions of the Ranger, Mustang and Bronco in the near future, with two new electric architectures it announced earlier this year.

It also reportedly hinted at plans for full EV versions of the Ranger and Bronco (which currently share a platform) in a presentation to dealers, although it is unclear whether this could also mean a full EV version of the next Volkswagen Amarok, which is set to share its underpinnings with the next-generation Ranger.

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A new-generation Mustang is also reportedly due in 2023, with electric- and hybrid-ready underpinnings.

The next two full-electrics to launch from Ford are the E-Transit van and F-150 Lightning, which has been met with overwhelming demand in its home market of America.

Ford has ruled out the F-150 for Australia, with right-hand-drive production off the table for the foreseeable future, with a similar story being the case for the Bronco and Maverick ranges.

Ford says its electrified F-150 will be a yardstick for where electric adoption is.

Ford told Automotive News the F150 Lightning will “show where EV adoption really is”.

Ford’s plan to electrify existing nameplates is a different strategy from some rivals who plan to introduce complete replacement nameplates, as seems to be the plan at VW and Toyota, or introduce electrified spin-off sub-brands, as is the case at Hyundai Group with its Ioniq family or Mercedes-Benz with its EQ family.

Subaru has gone on record before saying it will follow a similar strategy to Ford, electrifying known and loved nameplates from its small but core range, while Mitsubishi seems to be following a similar strategy, gradually introducing plug-in hybrid versions across its ageing but popular SUV range.

Ford’s first foray into electrification in Australia will be limited to the Escape mid-size SUV, which will enter showrooms early in 2022, chip shortage allowing.

Ford is yet to announce plans to introduce a fully electric model to the Australian market.

This still leaves the Blue Oval behind rivals, though, with even the Mustang Mach-E SUV remaining off the cards for our market, despite being built in right-hand drive for the UK.

For reference, the Mach-E is available with two battery options in America, a 68kWh standard range, or an 88kWh extended range, with ranges between 340 and 491km depending on variant chosen.

Ford told CarsGuide in May this year: "Electric vehicles are a big part of our future, both in Australia and our other markets ... we’ll share more about our local rollout plans soon.”