Ford Bronco Goes Electric with BYD Batteries

Ford is expanding its Bronco lineup in a bold new direction—electrification. While the American market enjoys the rugged Bronco and its Sport variant with gasoline powertrains, a brand-new electric alternative is emerging exclusively for China: the Ford Bronco New Energy. Recently unveiled through China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), this new EV marks a significant leap in Ford’s global electrification strategy, positioning itself as a formidable, high-tech off-roader with serious size, power, and range.

Summary Points:

• Ford introduces the Bronco New Energy EV and extended-range EV for China
• Based on BYD battery technology and co-developed with Jiangling Motors
• Significantly larger than the Bronco and Bronco Sport
• Offers both a 271-hp EV version and a 241-hp plug-in hybrid
• Up to 404 miles (650 km) of range using China’s CLTC test cycle
• Features include unibody construction, boxy design, and Lidar tech
• Expected pricing between ¥300,000 and ¥400,000 (approx. $42,000–$55,000)

A Bigger, Electrified Bronco: Breaking New Ground in China

The Ford Bronco New Energy isn’t just a rehash of the existing Bronco or Bronco Sport—it’s an entirely new vehicle designed for a market that heavily favors electrification. Built on a unibody platform and using BYD-supplied battery technology, this model departs from the traditional body-on-frame approach of the American Bronco.

With a length of 197.0 inches and a width of 77.0 inches, this Bronco EV eclipses both the standard Bronco and the Bronco Sport in size. For context, the Bronco Sport measures just 172.7 inches long and 74.3 inches wide, while the larger Bronco stretches to 189.4 inches in length and 75.9 inches in width. The New Energy’s 116.1-inch wheelbase also aligns with the standard Bronco, placing it in the same size category as three-row electric SUVs like the Kia EV9.

Powertrains and Performance: EV and EREV Options

The Bronco New Energy will be offered with two distinct powertrain configurations:

1. Pure Electric Version

• Power Output: 271 horsepower
• Battery Capacity: 105.4 kWh
• Estimated Range (CLTC): 404 miles (650 kilometers)
• Curb Weight: 5,800 pounds

2. Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)

• Power Output: 241 horsepower
• Internal Combustion Engine: 1.5-liter engine (range extender)
• Battery Capacity: 43.7 kWh
• EV-Only Range: 137 miles (220 kilometers)
• Curb Weight: 5,535 pounds

These numbers place the Bronco New Energy far above its American siblings in terms of both weight and electric range. The Bronco Raptor, for example, tops out at 418 hp but weighs significantly less at 4,945 pounds, while the Bronco Sport’s lightest version weighs just 3,500 pounds.

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Design: Familiar Bronco DNA with EV Adaptations

Design-wise, the Bronco New Energy borrows elements from both the Bronco and the Bronco Sport. It features a bold front grille with the Bronco nameplate front and center, a squared-off body with pronounced fenders, and a spare tire mounted on the tailgate. Notably, it includes a side-swinging rear door, just like its gas-powered predecessors.

One unique detail is the presence of a Lidar sensor on the roof, suggesting the inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems or future autonomous driving capabilities.

Strategic Partnership: Ford and Jiangling Motors

The electric Bronco is the product of a joint venture between Ford and Jiangling Motors, specifically targeting the rapidly growing EV segment in China. The partnership allows Ford to leverage local manufacturing expertise and BYD’s proven battery technologies, while meeting local regulatory and consumer expectations in the EV space.

Production and sales are expected to commence later this year, with an estimated price range between ¥300,000 and ¥400,000, or roughly $42,000 to $55,000 at current exchange rates.

Specifications Table: Ford Bronco New Energy

Conclusion: A Bold Move into Electric Off-Roading

The Ford Bronco New Energy signals Ford’s willingness to adapt its iconic off-road branding to the realities of global electrification. Bigger, bolder, and fully electric, this Bronco is tailored for the Chinese market’s appetite for high-tech, zero-emission SUVs. With solid range, advanced features, and a size that rivals large electric crossovers, it stands as a strong contender in China’s competitive EV landscape. Although not currently planned for export, the Bronco New Energy could hint at what’s possible if Ford decides to globalize its electric off-road ambitions.