The electric SUV model of Ford Bronco, reveals its global debut; possibilities of its arrival in India explored.
Ford has recently unveiled the Bronco New Energy, an upcoming electric SUV that promises to revolutionize the market with its impressive specifications and off-road capabilities. Initially, the vehicle will be launched in China, with potential future availability in other markets, such as India.
Key Features and Specifications
The Bronco New Energy comes in two versions: a pure electric variant and an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) model. Both versions feature dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) systems.
Pure Electric Variant
The pure electric variant boasts a powerful dual-motor setup, with the front motor producing 177 bhp and the rear motor offering 275 bhp, resulting in a combined output of 311 horsepower. The vehicle is powered by a 105.4kWh LFP blade battery sourced from BYD. This battery provides an impressive range of 650km under the CLTC test cycle.
Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)
The EREV model offers a slightly different setup, with a 43.7kWh battery and a 1.5-litre petrol engine acting as a range extender. The petrol engine does not drive the wheels directly but acts as a generator to recharge the battery and extend the driving range. The EREV model weighs slightly less than the pure electric variant, at 2,510kg.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Bronco New Energy is designed for serious off-road use, with urban comfort in mind. The all-electric variant will come with dual motors, one at each axle. The front motor produces 177 bhp, while the rear offers 275 bhp, ensuring impressive off-road performance.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The EREV model features advanced driver assistance systems, as indicated by a visible LiDAR sensor mounted above the windshield. The exact features of the ADAS suite have not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to include a range of safety and convenience features.
Global Availability
Currently, the Bronco New Energy is China-bound, but a wider rollout hasn't been ruled out. Ford's absence in the Indian market has been noted, but speculation continues about its return, possibly with the next-gen Everest. Maruti Suzuki is also working on a plug-in hybrid vehicle, similar to the one Ford is offering.
Release Details in India
Ford has not officially announced the Bronco New Energy's launch in India yet. The model will first launch in China, with future global expansion possible. Given Ford's current absence and potential return to India, the Bronco New Energy might come to India at a later date, but no confirmed timeline exists as of now.
In summary, the Ford Bronco New Energy is a large electric SUV offering either a fully electric or hybrid extended-range powertrain with strong off-road capabilities, advanced ADAS, and up to 1,220 km range in the hybrid variant. Its launch in India remains speculative pending Ford's re-entry into the market.
- Ford's Bronco New Energy, an upcoming electric SUV, showcases dual-motor all-wheel drive systems and a powerful motor setup, with the pure electric variant delivering a combined output of 311 horsepower.
- The EREV model of the Bronco New Energy, on the other hand, features a range extender petrol engine and a smaller battery, resulting in a slightly lower weight of 2,510kg.
- The Bronco New Energy's advanced driver assistance systems, including a visible LiDAR sensor, are expected to offer a range of safety and convenience features, but the specifics have not been disclosed yet.
- Although the Ford Bronco New Energy is initially launching in China, the possibility of a wider rollout to markets like India is not ruled out, given Ford's potential return to the Indian market.
