Ford Bronco goes electric, but there's a catch

The icon of American off-roading is venturing into the world of electric cars. In a surprising twist to its fanbase back home, the first all-electric Ford Bronco isn't destined for the dusty trails of Moab. Instead, it's coming to China, with battery-powered and range-extended models arriving later this year.

This new chapter for the Bronco is made possible through Ford's partnership with its Chinese joint venture partner, Jiangling Motors (JMC). Official government filings in China, a necessary step before any new car can be sold, have peeled back the curtain on two distinct electric versions of the popular SUV. Ford has only shown a few teaser images, but these documents give us the full story.

The all-electric Ford Bronco is built as a proper, modern EV. It features an all-wheel-drive system powered by two electric motors. A 130 kW motor drives the front wheels, while a more powerful 202 kW motor handles the rear, delivering a combined output of 232 kilowatts, or about 311 horsepower. The vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 106 mph.

At the heart of this electric beast is a massive 105.4 kWh battery pack. Sourced from BYD, it uses LFP "Blade" technology. LFP batteries are known for their safety and long lifespan. This battery gives the Bronco EV a claimed range of 404 miles based on China's CLTC testing cycle.

Ford is also offering an EREV version of the Bronco. This model drives on electric power from its two motors and a 43.7 kWh battery, offering a respectable pure-electric range of 137 miles. When the battery runs low, a 1.5-liter gasoline engine kicks in. However, this engine isn't connected to the wheels, and it acts only as a generator to recharge the battery or provide power to the motors. This gives the EREV Bronco a massive total travel distance of up to 758 miles.

Both versions are sizable five-seat SUVs. The electric Bronco measures 197.8 inches long, 77.2 inches wide, and 71.5 inches high. The pure EV weighs in at 5,798 lb, while the EREV is slightly lighter at 5,534 lb. Photos from the filings also reveal a lidar unit mounted above the windshield. This sensor suggests Ford plans to give the electric Bronco semi-autonomous driving features.

By partnering with local giants like JMC for manufacturing and BYD for battery technology, Ford is tailoring its iconic products to meet local demands. The new electric Bronco models are expected to launch in China later this year, and as for whether this electric off-roader will ever make its way to other parts of the world, Ford is keeping quiet for now.

Via