Now that the F-150 has been redesigned for a new generation, Ford is preparing to launch the next-generation Ranger midsize pickup, which is expected to go on sale for the 2022 model year at the earliest. For the first time in its model history, the F-150 is available with a hybrid powertrain pairing a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor producing a combined 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant will also join the F-150 lineup later. But what about the F-150's smaller Ranger sibling?

Rumors have claimed the next-generation Ranger will also get the plug-in hybrid treatment as Ford continues to embrace electrification, but now we have official confirmation from the Blue Oval automaker.

Speaking with Australia's Car Expert, a Ford Europe spokesperson confirmed Ford's commercial range including the Ranger will be "zero-emission capable" by 2024. "We know there is growing appetite among Australian consumers for EVs and hybrid vehicles," the spokesperson told the publication. "However, it's too early to discuss what impacts the Ford of Europe move will have on other markets, including Australia." It's all part of Ford's plan to only produce and sell plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles in Europe from 2030.

While it most likely won't be available at launch, the electrified Ranger is expected to combine a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a plug-in hybrid system generating a combined 362 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque while offering improved fuel economy of 3.0 liters per 100 km (78.4 miles to the gallon). This will make it more powerful than America's current Ford Ranger, which produces 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo.

According to the publication, this will be an all-new plug-in hybrid setup that hasn't been offered in any other global Ford model. This setup will also carry over to Australia's Ford Everest. As well as the PHEV, the entry-level Ford Ranger is expected to be offered with a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, while the higher-spec variant will use a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6.

Topping the range will be the new Ranger Raptor, which is expected to pack a 2.7-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine. Time will ultimately tell if the new Ranger PHEV goes on sale in the US, but it would make sense considering the F-150 will also be available with a PHEV. For the first time, a fully electric F-150 is also joining the lineup with a debut planned in the first half of 2022.