Confirmed for Australia, a market that largely mirrors ours, could the Chinese-built Ford Bronco make its way to SA?
Image: Ford
Developed by JMC Ford, the joint venture between Ford and Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), the Ford Bronco New Energy is headed to Australia, a market that largely mirrors ours. So, could the Chinese-built Bronco make its way here?
Available in all-electric (EV) and REEV (range-extended EV) — the latter using an internal combustion engine (ICE) to recharge the battery pack — formats in China, the Bronco New Energy sits on a monocoque chassis…unlike the US-built Bronco’s ladder-frame platform.
The Bronco New Energy measures 5 025 mm in length and 1 960 mm in width; that makes it 84 mm longer and 55 mm narrower than the Everest. It also has a longer wheelbase — 2 950 mm versus 2 900 mm. Ground clearance runs up to 220 mm, and it can wade through water up to 600 mm deep.
The EV variant uses dual electric motors — one at the front and one at the rear — for a combined 332 kW. These e-motors are paired with a BYD-sourced 105.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, giving a claimed range of 650 km.
The REEV model features two electric motors powered by a 43.7 kWh battery, teamed with a 1.5-litre ICE. This powertrain delivers a combined 310 kW and 600 Nm, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. The REEV is claimed to offer an all-electric range of 220 km and a combined driving range of 1 220 kg.
Could the Bronco New Energy come to SA?
While the Bronco New Energy has been earmarked for the Australian market, Ford’s local arm has yet to confirm whether it will make its way to South Africa. If it does arrive, we expect it will (at least initially) use the REEV powertrain, which will be offered Down Under.
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