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.

🤔 pic.twitter.com/PrrNFZNY5j

— 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

The post Ford product communications director hints at electric Bronco, again appeared first on EVGLOBE - News on Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.

The folks over at the Bronco6G forums were the first to publish the document, which on page 366 contains the interesting tidbit. It specifically mentions “hybrid battery systems” and how owners of the electrified Bronco should charge the battery to at least 50% if they plan on storing the vehicle for more than 30 days. Ford also recommends disconnecting the 12V battery in order to reduce the load on the battery pack of the hybrid setup.

Another hybrid reference can be found on page 452 where the Blue Oval talks about changing the oil. The 2021 Bronco comes with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system, which shows relevant information on the instrument cluster regarding the proper oil change interval. According to Ford, the interval may be up to one year or 10,000 miles for the conventionally powered model and more than that for the hybrid variant.

An electrified Bronco doesn’t come as a big surprise seeing as how a demonstration of the digital instrument cluster last year specifically referred to an “EV Coaching” display. That was a clear indicator the hybrid model will have some sort of all-electric range, although details are shrouded in mystery for the time. It is believed the eco-friendly version will arrive for the 2023 model year, meaning it would go on sale in 2022.

Some go as far as to say the high-performance Bronco Raptor (previously known as Warthog) will also be a hybrid, presumably with the same EcoBoost V6 3.0-liter engine and electric motor seen in the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. In that model, the system can develop a combined output of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft.

You can check out the 552-page PDF at the source link below.

Source: Bronco6G

The post 2021 Ford Bronco owner’s manual references hybrid version appeared first on EVGLOBE - News on Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.

To our knowledge, it’s the first time an all-electric Bronco is making the headlines, and the news is shared by none other than Ford’s head honcho. It’s too soon to say when the EV derivative will hit the market, but there’s a pretty good chance a plug-in hybrid version will be out first. The PHEV model is expected to premiere later this year for the 2022MY to rival the electrified versions of the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler.

Why do you think we dont?

— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) May 10, 2021

Speaking of the Wrangler, Jeep has already toyed around with the idea of developing a fully electric model by releasing the Magneto concept. We are fairly certain Ford wants to beat Jeep to the punch by introducing an electric Bronco to the market first, but it’s too soon to say whether it will succeed. In the meantime, the battery-powered SUV is only a promise made by the firm’s head honcho.

Time will tell how long it will take Ford to introduce a Bronco without a combustion engine and whether it will be a bespoke EV model or an adaptation of the conventionally powered vehicle. It’s too early to make any projections considering customer deliveries of the regular Bronco haven’t even started yet. Production of the SUV will be halted due to the chip shortage, but the company promises that won’t impact the start of deliveries scheduled for summer.

The plug-in hybrid should follow shortly and we’re hearing it will offer a combined output of 450 horsepower coming from an EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine working together with an electric motor. The unspecified battery pack should offer some sort of purely electric range, but details are not available at the moment of writing.

Source: Jim Farley / Twitter

The post Fully electric Ford Bronco is happening, suggests company CEO appeared first on EVGLOBE - News on Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.