VW May Utilize Ford Ranger Platform For 4X4 EV

January 25, 2023 11:25 am

The all-new 2023 Volkswagen Amarok debuted last July as that automaker’s version of the Ford Ranger, with which it shares the Ford T6 platform, though both trucks do have their differences – most notably, exterior styling. Regardless, VW isn’t expected to extend that relationship to include a hardcore off-road version of the Ranger Raptor, while Ford may also cease to utilize that company’s MEB platform for its future EVs, even though two forthcoming European crossovers will ride on it. However, as Ford Authority originally reported last April, an all-electric version of the Ford Ranger is expected to launch in the coming years riding on its own, dedicated TE1 EV platform, and now, Autocar is reporting that VW may utilize a modified version of the T6 platform for its own all-electric 4×4 EV dubbed the ID Ruggdzz.

“We’re looking at it together with Ford. It’s still on the agenda,” said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles CEO Carsten Intra when asked about the possibility of utilizing the Ranger/Amarok’s platform on the future off-road-focused all-electric model. The production version of the ID Ruggdzz – a concept that has never been publicly shown – is said to be heavily related to the Amarok, though would feature its own unique exterior styling.

When it was shown to the media back in 2019, the ID Ruggdzz was slated to ride on VW’s own MEB platform, with the expectation that the SUV would provide an electrified rival to the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota 4Runner. Since then, the model has been delayed after it was previously expected to enter production this year, and its future is currently unclear.

Regardless, VW is reportedly working on electrifying the T6 platform alongside Ford, which would apparently require a battery pack that’s at least 110 kWh in size to provide an acceptable range and towing capacity, while the automakers also also looking at replacing the rear leaf springs with a multi-link suspension out back.

We’ll have more on this new EV soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.

By Brett Foote

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.