Battery Trays

The Ford Ranger EV (Electric Vehicle) is a battery electric vehicle produced by Ford Motor Company. It was produced starting in the 1998 model year through 2002 and is no longer in production. It is built upon a light truck chassis used in the Ford Ranger. more...

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A few vehicles with lead-acid batteries were sold, but most units were leased for fleet use. A few persistent and interested private parties were able to obtain leases over a period of three to five years. All leases were terminated in 2003-04, and the vehicles were recalled.

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries offered

In California and some limited areas outside of California, a NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery version was offered, but only for lease . The NiMH version delivered a true 65-mile (105 km) range at a steady 65 mph (105 km/h) speed on flat highways (normal operation with some reserve; in comparison the lead-acid version which is said to have a range of up to 65 miles (105 km) with hard tires and careful driving. Actual range of the lead-acid Ford Ranger EV is less). The Ford Ranger EV controller electronics will allow strong acceleration even when in 'E' economy shifter mode. Thus a heavy foot will reduce the EV's range. The above the line cost of this vehicle (before manufacturer discounts and other public agency subsidies) was $50,000. Used Ford Ranger EVs have been sold as low as $6000 to $25,000 and beyond, depending on the condition of the vehicle and the type and expected remaining life of the pack.

Early life problems

There were numerous problems with the NiMH Ranger associated with an inability to accept a charge in hot environmental conditions, and some other problems requiring replacement of major components, but Ford successfully addressed these problems early in the vehicle's life cycle. There were some range issues around the 25,000-mile (40,200 km) service life with the batteries, and due to the great expense of these batteries, Ford elected not to fix this range problem (as allowed under the lease terms). Some leases were continued despite the shorter range.

Performance

Performance was generally considered as quite acceptable. Early versions through the 1999 model year were programmed for a higher acceleration than later models, which could advertise a higher EPA mileage.

External appearance

The appearance of the front charging door in a grille location that is open on ICE Rangers, and the missing tailpipe and Hotchkiss drive and the visibility of the EV's unique rear suspension and the traction motor from behind the vehicle are the principle identifiers indicating that this is an electric Ranger. From the side, the vehicle is almost indistinguishable from the ICE Ranger except for a modest script Electric on the side. Only the slight projection of the battery trays below the frame rails is noticeable at a distance. Vehicle height is close to that of four wheel drive vehicles.

Read more at Wikipedia.org