If you’ve been keeping a close eye on Ford in the past few months, you will likely remember a Bronco EV was briefly teased during the company’s Capital Markets Day. The Blue Oval’s communications director for North American products took to Twitter that day to show a somewhat vague silhouette of the zero-emissions Bronco, which is now making the headlines once again.
The very same Mike Levine replied to a comment on Twitter with the teaser image from late May. It’s worth noting the original comment was “if they were only electric” for a photo Ford shared with Broncos of old and new lined up for a family portrait. This looks like an indirect reaffirmation there will be a version of the reputable off-roader without a combustion engine. Whether it will hit the market sooner sooner rather than later it’s unclear, but it appears it’s happening.
— Mike Levine (@mrlevine) August 20, 2021
It’s not all too surprising seeing as how its main rival, the Jeep Wrangler, is already available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and will get a fully electric derivative in the coming years. Electric motors are great for off-roading considering they deliver instant torque, which is vital when going up a steep hill. The Bronco EV will ride on a newly developed flexible architecture engineered not just for rugged SUVs, but also pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.
As a refresher, Ford’s head honcho Jim Farley has also strongly hinted at the prospects of a Bronco sans the internal combustion engine. Back in May, a Ford shareholder asked him on Twitter why isn’t the company preparing an all-electric option. His answer was: “Why do you think we don’t?” It means an SUV with electric propulsion is only a matter of time and will likely peacefully coexist with the gasoline-fueled Bronco for a number of years before Ford will go all-in on EVs.
Source: Mike Levine / Twitter, Jim Farley / Twitter
Why do you think we dont?
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) May 10, 2021