It will fight the inevitable all-electric Wrangler.
Details about the Ford Bronco’s higher final power figures were revealed just a few days back. Now, the Blue Oval shares additional information about the off-roader’s powertrains
It’s not so crazy to think of a battery-powered Bronco, considering Jeep is already one step ahead with the Wrangler magneto EV concept. It is not a matter of if but when, and Ford wants to pursue the Wrangler Magneto EV concept. It’s clear that Ford has the expertise to build a Bronco without using a combustion engine, having already engineered the Mustang Mach-E as well as the F-150 Lightning.
A hybrid variant is possible before a fully-electric version. The Bronco’s digital instrument cluster featured an EV Coaching Mode. A leaked video has since been removed. Ford has not yet confirmed a hybridized specification for the highly-anticipated SUV. However, an educated guess suggests that this mode will be reserved for a plug in hybrid model with an undisclosed electric range. The Wrangler will be competing with the PHEV version when it arrives.
According to an unconfirmed report, the Bronco hybrid will feature a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine and an electric motor. It will also have a ten speed automatic transmission. The engine is expected to produce 450 horsepower (336kilowatts), and will debut in 2022MY. The electrified Bronco will not only compete with the Wrangler 4xe but also the Land Rover DefenderPHEV.
Ford wants to diversify its Bronco lineup, which will also include a beefy Warthog version. This is not surprising since dealers are currently building 100 dedicated shops. Bronco / Bronco Sport will evolve into a sub-brand. The Dearborn-based company hopes to attract more customers by giving them more options. One of those options will eventually be an all-electric Bronco.