The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is surging in popularity. Worldwide PHEV sales increased from 569,000 vehicles in 2019 to 4.2 million in 2023—a growth percentage that exceeded both battery-electric (BEV) and traditional hybrid (HEV) vehicles. With the BEV market in the United States seemingly stalling, plug-in hybrids are again being seen by automakers as a viable option, offering a “happy medium” between the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and going all-electric.
It appears Ford could be jumping on this wagon. In April 2024, spurred by a 42% boost in total hybrid sales compared to the previous year, it announced a plan to have hybrid versions of all North American non-commercial vehicles by 2030. Details aren’t confirmed, but given current trends, it’s reasonable to believe at least a couple of Ford plug-in hybrid vehicles will be sprinkled in.
With that in mind, I wanted to look at the short but fascinating history of Ford PHEV models. By examining the past and present of this technology at the Blue Oval, perhaps there’s an inkling of what the future could hold. Here are five Ford models that received the PHEV treatment and what came of each nameplate.
Current Vehicles
Ford Escape PHEV
As I write this, the only Ford PHEV available in the North American market is the Ford Escape compact crossover. Introduced in the United States for the 2020 model year and refreshed in 2023, this PHEV traces its origins to 2007, when three companies converted Ford Escape hybrids to PHEV test models as part of a New York State initiative. The 2025 Escape is also sold as an HEV and a gas-only SUV, making it a rare triple threat.
Not surprisingly, the Ford Escape PHEV is the most fuel-efficient of the three, getting an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined with an electric-only range of 37 miles (the HEV and ICE models max out at 39 MPG and 30 MPG combined, respectively). The plug-in hybrid is also the second-most powerful version of the Escape, with its 210 hp powertrain exceeded only by the 250 hp 2.0L inline-four turbo on higher ICE trims. While the first three years of the Escape PHEV had multiple trims, there has been one trim since 2023.
Unfortunately, this plug-in hybrid may not be around much longer. Although Ford has not publicly commented on the status of the Ford Escape PHEV, rumors have swirled for years. In August 2024, Automotive News and Ford Authority reported that the Louisville, Kentucky, plant that manufactures all versions of the Ford Escape will cease production by the end of 2025, supposedly to make way for a yet-unnamed all-electric SUV.
Ford Ranger PHEV
Drivers in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand will soon get another Ford PHEV option. In September 2023, the Blue Oval announced it would introduce a plug-in hybrid variant of the Ranger midsize truck in 2025, with more recent estimates pegging initial deliveries in the spring. This truck adds an electric motor and battery to the standard 2.3L turbo-four gas engine, increasing power output from 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque to 275 hp and 509 lb-ft. The Ford Ranger PHEV will go an estimated 28 miles on electric-only power and can be fully charged in less than four hours using a home charger.
So far, Ford has refused to comment on if or when the Ranger PHEV will arrive in North America. Given the company’s renewed commitment to hybrid technology, though, I would bet on it happening sooner rather than later—perhaps when the Ranger gets its next rumored refresh for 2026. However, the Ranger PHEV is being made in South Africa, so Ford would have to move production to the United States to avoid our 25% tariff on imported pickup trucks.
Past Vehicles
Ford Explorer PHEV
Although American drivers never had access to the Ford Explorer PHEV—and its North American cousin, the Lincoln Aviator PHEV, was permanently parked after 2023—European enthusiasts got to experience this mid-size crossover plug-in hybrid. Debuting in 2020, it sported a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, electric motor, and 13.6 kWh battery that combined to deliver an impressive 451 hp and 609 lb-ft of torque—more than the sport-oriented Explorer ST. It could go 26 miles on a full charge, had a towing capacity of 5,500 lbs, and used Intelligent AWD for various terrains.
In the end, the Explorer PHEV was the victim of progress. Ford has fully electrified the vehicle for the European market, beginning production in 2024. Although not as powerful as the plug-in hybrid with a peak of 335 hp, the Explorer EV is consistent with Ford’s goal of an all-electric European vehicle lineup by 2030. Interestingly, the Explorer EV’s European arrival came shortly after the American Explorer Hybrid hit the scrapyard—and in early 2024, Ford announced the arrival of an Explorer EV for North America had been delayed until 2027.
Ford C-Max Energi PHEV
Running from 2013 to 2017, the Ford C-Max Energi was one of Ford’s early in-house attempts at a plug-in hybrid. Debuting in the United States one year after the C-Max hybrid variant—which had already been sold in Europe since 2003—the C-Max Energi PHEV drew 188 hp from its 2.0L inline-four engine and electric motor. Notably, it was the first Ford hybrid to use a lithium-ion battery; the 7.6 kWh pack could carry this compact minivan 20 miles on a full charge.
The one-two punch of the C-Max and C-Max Energi started strong, selling more than 35,000 vehicles in 2013 and being named a finalist for the Green Car Journal Green Car of the Year award. However, sales declined each year thereafter, leading to the discontinuation of the C-Max Energi in 2017 and the C-Max hybrid the following year. A declining American small-car market undoubtedly contributed to the vehicle’s ultimate failure. However, Ford didn’t do itself any favors by initially overestimating the C-Max’s fuel efficiency by as much as 10 MPG. The brand eventually revised the number and even sent rebate checks, but the damage was done.
Ford Fusion Energi PHEV
What vehicle did the C-Max lose the 2013 Green Car of the Year honors to? Its sibling, the Ford Fusion Energi. Ford had been producing a Fusion hybrid since 2010, and in 2013, it added a PHEV edition of the midsize sedan to kick off the Fusion’s second generation. The original Fusion Energi used the same powertrain as the C-Max Energi and had the same electric-only range. And like the C-Max Energi, the Fusion PHEV ran into trouble with exaggerated efficiency, with the initial EPA rating of 100 MPGe and 43 MPG eventually revised to 88 MPGe and 38 MPG.
Thanks to the Fusion’s established reputation, though (it was Ford’s nameplate in the NASCAR Cup Series at the time), the Fusion Energi was able to weather the storm. In 2017, Ford refreshed the Fusion Energi, increasing the electric range to 22 miles and the fuel economy to 42 MPG. In April 2018, though, Ford announced it would phase out all North American cars except the Mustang, turning its attention to SUVs and trucks. The bell tolled for the Ford Focus in 2020, with all versions, including the PHEV, going to the automotive graveyard.
The Future of Ford PHEVs
A lot of American-market Ford vehicles currently lack hybrid technology of any kind, with the F-150, Maverick, and Escape representing the only options for a full hybrid. However, there are a lot of PHEV possibilities in the Ford lineup. The thought of a little extra muscle in the Mustang, Bronco, Expedition, or Edge—combined with better fuel economy and convenient at-home charging with no fancy equipment—already has me excited. There was even speculation that a Bronco PHEV would enter production as soon as 2024 or 2025.
Sadly, there’s been no official news since then on the status of a Bronco PHEV. Still, the potential is out there for it and other plug-in hybrids. Ford is notorious for remaining tight-lipped about its vehicle development, but I’ll watch closely for any possible news and leaks.
