Automaker Ford is leaning more heavily into the electric vehicle space. The brand’s F150 has gone full-EV, now it might be time for something a little more South African to get a shot. Ford appears to have plans to launch EV versions of its Maverick and Ranger trucks, according to a new trademark filing.
Folks on the internet have spotted new trademark filings with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Ford is trademarking the names Ranger Lightning and Maverick Lightning, presumably to go along with the F150 Lightning.
Ranger danger
‘Lighting’, so far, is the suffix Ford has used for its electric vehicles — specifically, its pickups/bakkies. We’re unlikely to see a Ford Maverick Lighting in South Africa, but a Ford Ranger Lightning bakkie? Sure, that’s a definite possibility.
Since the trademark was only filed on 11 July this year, it’s probably going to be a while before we see a battery-powered Ranger on a South African road. It’s possible that we might get a hybrid version of Ford’s workhorse first, but the suffix has only applied to fully-electric vehicles so far.
According to CarBuzz, Ford already hinted at a new in-the-works EV truck earlier this year. There’s a strong possibility that an EV version of the Ranger has been in development for some time. The reason the trademark filing was delayed is, probably, to prevent folks from catching on too quickly. Sometimes surprises are a good thing.
Ford has yet to confirm anything, of course. We’ll let you know about any European and (hopefully) South African Ranger EV launches as soon as they’re official.
Source: CarBuzz