The new Bronco New Energy enters production for China and Australia, leaving the United States outside the plan.
Built through Ford’s partnership with Jiangling Motors Corporation, the SUV takes a path far removed from the Bronco sold across North America. Trade barriers, along with separate regulatory requirements, keep the model away from U.S. showrooms. For now, American buyers will only watch from a distance.
The range-focused variant uses an Extended-Range Electrified Vehicle layout. A pair of electric motors handles propulsion while a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine works exclusively as a generator. Energy storage comes from a 43.7-kWh battery pack. Total system output reaches 415 horsepower.
Range is where the numbers become difficult to ignore. Ford rates the EREV at 748 miles, or 1,204 kilometers, under China’s CLTC testing procedure. Before the gasoline generator contributes, the vehicle travels approximately 137 miles, equivalent to 220.5 kilometers, using stored battery power alone.
A second version skips the generator entirely. The fully electric Bronco employs a dual-motor setup producing 445 horsepower. Its larger 105-kWh battery supports a claimed driving distance of up to 404 miles, or 650 kilometers, between charging sessions.
From a distance, many people would mistake this vehicle for the Bronco already familiar to U.S. customers. The upright body shape remains. Circular headlamps remain. The spare wheel still occupies the tailgate. Look closer, and the differences start piling up.
The Chinese-market model rides on a unibody platform supplied through JMC rather than the body-on-frame architecture used by the American Bronco. Because of that structure, the removable roof disappears. Ford replaces it with an expandable camper-style roof system featuring an accordion-like design. Flat-folding seats further support outdoor travel.
Dimensions change as well. Compared with the U.S. Bronco, this version stretches slightly longer and wider. Ford positions it closer in overall size to a Ford Explorer. The emphasis shifts toward comfort and daily usability rather than dedicated off-road performance.
Manufacturing takes place in China. Left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive versions are planned, with Australia receiving the latter configuration. Entry pricing for the Bronco EREV starts at 229,800 yuan, equal to about $33,875. Ford indicates that figure sits roughly $10,000 below the price of the base Bronco available in the United States.
Meanwhile, American buyers continue with gasoline-powered choices. The current lineup relies on the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, and the Bronco Raptor’s 3.0-liter V6. Among those, the Raptor delivers 418 horsepower, one more detail highlighting how differently Ford approached its China-focused Bronco New Energy.
Ford Bronco New Energy – Photo Gallery
