Ford hints at electric Bronco, could pave the way for Ranger EV
Following the electric F-150, Ford may be about to offer a battery-powered Bronco – but is the Ranger next?
An electrified Ford Bronco could be on its way, with executives from the Blue Oval dropping a number of hints this month – and it means we could see an electrified Ranger ute sooner than expected.
At the company's annual Capital Markets Day presentation, Ford announced a rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive electric platform for new models between now and 2030, along with a dedicated electric platform for full-size pick-ups.
The company's chief product platform officer Hau Thai-Tang suggested it could lead to "rugged SUVs" that are battery-powered, using the silhouette of a vehicle with a striking resemblance to the Bronco – though Thai-Tang later dismissed the image as an "artistic rendering".
However, earlier this month, when Ford CEO Jim Farley was asked by a shareholder on Twitter why the company wasn't offering an electric Bronco as an option, he responded: "Why do you think we don't?"
These comments have led to some in the industry speculating that an electric Ford Bronco may be just around the corner.
As the Ford Bronco and Ranger are underpinned by the same basic architecture, the possibility of an electric Bronco means we could see an electric version of the popular Ranger ute earlier than expected.
"Electric vehicles are a big part of our future, both in Australia and our other markets," a Ford Australia spokesperson told Drive.
"Globally, Ford is investing at least US$22 billion (almost AU$29 billion) in electrified vehicles through 2025; we’ll share more about our local rollout plans soon."
While the local spokesperson wouldn't be drawn to comment on an electrified Ranger specifically, earlier this year a Ford Europe spokesperson confirmed its commercial range – including the Ranger – would be "zero-emissions capable" by 2024.
With the new 2022 Ford Ranger due to be unveiled later this year, it could mean a fully-electric powertrain, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option will be offered.
Earlier rumours suggested a future, all-new Ranger – due towards the end of this decade – could share its electric platform with the F-150 pick-up, allowing the Blue Oval to use the upcoming model as a stepping stone.
Ford received 45,000 reservations within 48 hours of unveiling the F-150 Lightning – a fully-electric version of it's popular American pick-up.
The car giant expects 40 per cent of its global sales will be fully-electric by 2040, and has increased its investment into electric vehicles by US$8 billion, to a total of US$30 billion by 2025.