Before the F-150 Lightning or Mustang Mach-E, Ford had already dipped its tires into the world of electric trucks. The 2000 Ford Ranger EV was one of the earliest fully electric pickups ever produced, and today, it stands proudly in the Ford U.S. Heritage Fleet as a reminder of just how far ahead of its time it really was.

Produced between 1998 and 2002, the Ranger EV was a fleet-only vehicle aimed at businesses with predictable driving routes. It offered zero emissions — a novelty in the late 1990s — and was based on the same chassis as the gasoline-powered Ranger. Its “best-in-class” range of 97 kilometers may seem modest today, but at the time it was a milestone for practical electric mobility.

Power came from a 90-horsepower, liquid-cooled three-phase induction motor that drove the rear wheels. The truck’s 39-module battery pack could recharge fully in about six hours using a 240-volt plug. It also featured regenerative braking to help extend driving range — technology that has since become standard in modern EVs.

Top speed was electronically limited to 121 km/h, and despite its short range, the Ranger EV was praised for its durability, reliability, and familiar Ford truck feel. “Our customers asked for an EV that drives with the safety, reliability, and durability of a conventional vehicle — and that’s what they’ll get with the Ranger EV,” said Bob Rewey, Ford’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales Operations at the time.

The Ranger EV remains an intriguing look at Ford’s early experimentation with electric propulsion. Though it arrived decades before charging networks and long-range batteries, it showcased the innovation and forward-thinking spirit that continues to define Ford’s approach to electrification today.

For EV fans and truck lovers alike, the 2000 Ford Ranger EV is more than just a footnote in history — it’s proof that even 25 years ago, Ford was already building the future.