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Ford Debuts the Bronco New Energy in China — Could an Electric Bronco Be Headed Stateside?
Ford has just pulled the wraps off a bold new addition to the Bronco lineup—but not where you'd expect. The Bronco New Energy, unveiled exclusively for the Chinese market, marks the brand’s first foray into electrified Bronco models, available as either a fully electric SUV or a plug-in hybrid.
While it may carry the iconic Bronco nameplate, the New Energy version bears more resemblance to the Bronco Sport than the rugged, body-on-frame Bronco that off-roaders in the U.S. know and love. Still, it carries some design cues from the full-sized Bronco, including the rear-mounted full-size spare tire, chunky all-terrain tires, and noticeable ground clearance, suggesting it's still meant to get a little dirty.
Two Electrified Options
Ford is offering the Bronco New Energy with two distinct powertrains:
- Battery Electric Version:
This variant features a sizable 105-kWh battery pack and claims an impressive 403-mile range—though that number is likely based on the WLTP cycle, which tends to be more generous than U.S. EPA estimates. - Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) Version:
This version combines a 44-kWh battery with a range-extending gasoline engine, reportedly delivering up to 136 miles of electric-only driving and a whopping 800 miles of total range. Notably, the gas engine is expected to act as a generator, rather than directly powering the wheels—much like the setup used in some other EVs with range extenders.
Off-Road Capabilities?
While full specs haven’t been released, one promo image shows a Badlands badge—a trim level typically reserved for Bronco and Bronco Sport models with upgraded off-road equipment. That’s a promising sign for Bronco fans hoping the New Energy isn't just a city cruiser in disguise.
What About the U.S.?
So far, Ford has made no official announcement about bringing the Bronco New Energy—or any hybrid or electric Bronco—to the U.S. market. But this launch may be a signal of what’s coming next. A hybrid variant has long been rumored for the American Bronco lineup, and this Chinese-market model could be a glimpse into that future.
With consumer interest in electric off-roaders growing, and Jeep already offering a plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe, Ford won’t want to stay on the sidelines much longer. Whether we see a version of this Chinese Bronco hit U.S. shores remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the future of Bronco is going electric—at least somewhere.
