An Electric Ford Bronco Has Been Revealed, But It’s Not Coming To The USA To Fight Scout
The Ford Bronco is plugging in … on the other side of the world.
Ford’s operation in China has released the first images of an all-new Bronco model that will be offered in all-electric and extended-range electric models, the latter adding a gas engine that’s used as a generator for long trips.
The vehicle first surfaced in an official filing with a Chinese government agency that included photos and several technical details that were posted on social media by journalist Tycho de Feijter.
Ford has since confirmed to American Cars And Racing that the model is real, but said it won’t be releasing any information until later this year. The vehicle is similar in size to the Ford Explorer and its styling combines that of the Bronco’s and Bronco Sport’s.
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According to the official documents, the electric version has an all-wheel-drive system with a 175 hp front motor and 270 hp rear motor and a range of 404 miles per charge on the Chinese rating system, which would be closer to 280 miles using the EPA’s testing methods.
The extended range version is listed with a 148 hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four cylinder engine — which isn’t connected to the wheels, only a generator — a 175 hp front electric motor and 241 hp rear electric motor. It uses a smaller battery pack with an all-electric range of 136 miles, which would be 95 miles on the EPA system.
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The concept is similar to the one Ford’s old rival Scout is using for its revival in the U.S. The rebooted brand’s Traveler SUV, which is slated to be built and sold in the U.S. starting next year, will be offered in both all-electric and extended range models.
Ford has previously said that it will have hybrid versions of all of its models in the U.S. in the near future, but that was before the recent changes to government policy that have reduced the regulatory pressure that was pushing for the rapid adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.