Ford is launching a new vehicle in China called the Bronco New Energy. It can be bought as either an electric or a plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid model combines a gasoline engine with a 44 kWh battery, while the fully electric version is equipped with a 105 kWh battery pack. The Bronco New Energy features a full-size spare tire on the back, similar to the larger Bronco, despite its more compact appearance, which is reminiscent of the Bronco Sport. Ford hasn’t added an electric or hybrid drivetrain to the Bronco SUV lineup in the US yet, but if this new model for China is any sign, it might happen soon. The new Bronco, marketed as the Bronco New Energy, is available in two configurations: a plug-in hybrid with a gasoline engine that offers a longer range, and a battery-electric car. It resembles the unibody Bronco Sport crossover more than the body-on-frame Bronco, as it is a boxy four-door SUV with a similar shape, rather than a two- or four-door convertible with a removable roof. It does, however, utilize the spare tire attached to the main Bronco’s hatch, and its tires appear to be large all-terrain ones with ample ground clearance. Based on the more flexible WLTP standard, the 105-kWh battery pack is most likely what gives the electric version its 403-mile range on a single charge. It has a 44 kWh battery pack and can go 136 miles on electricity alone or 800 miles when both the battery and the gas tank are fully charged. Since the drivetrain is referred to as a “range-extender setup,” it’s likely that the gasoline engine is used as a generator rather than to power the wheels. We don’t know everything about either engine, but the Bronco New Energy has all-wheel drive. One of the pictures also features a Badlands emblem, which denotes a trim level that equips Bronco and Bronco Sport cars with additional off-road gear. Ford will provide us with more details about the Bronco New Energy, including pictures of the interior and a comprehensive list of its features. We haven’t heard anything official about when it will be available in the US, but a hybrid Bronco has been rumored for a long time, so some form of this new car may eventually make its way here. Early next year, it will be available for sale in China.
