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Ford Bronco hybrid: details on powertrain and off-road impact

© A. Krivonosov
Ford revisits hybrid Bronco plans amid regulations. Learn about the potential 2.3-liter EcoBoost setup, off-road advantages, and market outlook.
Michael Powers, Editor

Ford is revisiting the idea of a hybrid Bronco version after seven years of initial promises. This project now appears more realistic amid tightening environmental regulations and a shift in the company's strategy.

Why Bronco Will Become a Hybrid

The primary driver is pressure from environmental standards, especially in Europe. Euro 7 regulations threaten the existence of classic off-road vehicles with powerful gasoline engines. Ford has already acknowledged that focusing solely on electric vehicles was a misstep, and is now emphasizing hybrid solutions as a more flexible compromise.

Potential Technical Setup

The most likely scenario involves using the powertrain from the Ranger PHEV. This means a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total output of around 279 to 300 horsepower.

A full plug-in hybrid remains uncertain due to weight concerns: an additional battery could significantly compromise off-road capabilities. Therefore, a conventional hybrid with a focus on low-speed torque seems more probable.

Implications for the Off-Roader

The electric motor could offer an advantage off-road by providing high torque at low speeds. This would help preserve the Bronco's core philosophy of capability and utility.

Meanwhile, a fully electric version of the model is not under consideration, underscoring Ford's commitment to retaining internal combustion engines in niche vehicles.

Outlook and Market

The launch timeline for the hybrid Bronco remains undisclosed. It's also unclear whether the model will be available in Europe, where demand for such vehicles is declining due to regulatory pressures.