2023 Ford Ranger Thunder on the horizon
Ford already has off-road versions of the Ranger, so could there be a rugged electric ute on the way?
0
A 2023 Ford Ranger Thunder variant could be on the way, with trademark applications being spotted overseas.
Ford has applied for a Thunder badge for Ranger, F-150, and Maverick pick-ups in the US according to Motor Authority, while Motor1 spotted similar filings in Canada.
The Blue Oval hasn’t yet applied for the name in Australia, but given the F-150 Lightning is the name of the all-electric pick-up, it’s possible Thunder could turn out to be an off-road variant with an electric powertrain.
Ford already offers off-road versions of its large pick-up with the F-150 Raptor and F-150 Tremor, opening the door for something unique like an off-road electric ute with the styling of a Raptor and the powertrain of a Lightning.
A Ford Ranger Lightning would make sense as an electric alternative for government and company fleets, but a Ranger Thunder could offer a rugged alternative with a zero-emissions powertrain, also borrowing its looks from the popular Raptor.
It’s not the first time Ford has used the badge. In 2020, a Ford Ranger Thunder was offered as a limited-edition diesel-powered ute in South Africa and European markets, sitting in between the Wildtrak and the Raptor.
Read more about Ben Zachariah
