Ford has not yet released a fully electric Bronco, but the company has confirmed plans for an all-electric version coming in the mid-to-late 2020s
Ford announced in 2021 that an electric Bronco would arrive as part of its broader shift toward battery-powered vehicles. The automaker has not provided a firm launch date, pricing, or detailed specifications yet. What Ford has said is that the electric Bronco will maintain the off-road capability and design language of the gas-powered Bronco that returned to the market in 2021, but with the torque and when ready power delivery that electric motors provide.
This is different from the current Bronco lineup, which runs on gasoline engines. Ford does offer a hybrid version of some of its trucks and SUVs — like the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid — but the Bronco itself has not yet received a hybrid option. The electric Bronco, when it arrives, will be a separate product from the gas and hybrid models already on sale.
Key Takeaways
- Ford has confirmed an all-electric Bronco is in development but has not announced a specific release date or price.
- The electric Bronco will be built on Ford's modular EV platform, the same architecture used in the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.
- Off-road performance and design will carry over from the gas Bronco, with the added benefit of electric motor torque for traction in rough terrain.
- Charging time, battery range, and towing capacity will depend on the final battery size and motor configuration, which Ford has not yet disclosed.
What platform and powertrain will the electric Bronco use?
The electric Bronco will ride on Ford's modular EV platform, the same underpinning used in the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV and the F-150 Lightning electric truck. This platform was designed to support multiple body styles and battery sizes, which gives Ford flexibility in how it configures the Bronco for both on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Ford has not disclosed the motor options, battery pack sizes, or power outputs for the electric Bronco. Based on the company's other EV products, the Bronco will likely offer multiple battery configurations — a smaller pack for shorter range and lower cost, and a larger pack for extended range. The F-150 Lightning, for example, comes with standard and extended-range batteries that deliver different power and towing numbers. The electric Bronco will probably follow a similar approach.
How will the electric Bronco handle off-road driving?
Electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready, which is an advantage in low-traction situations like sand, mud, and rock crawling. The Bronco's existing gas models already have electronic locking differentials, terrain management modes, and suspension tuning for off-road work. Ford has stated that the electric Bronco will retain these features and add the power characteristics of an electric motor.
One consideration is weight. Battery packs add significant mass compared to a gas engine and fuel tank. Ford will need to balance the Bronco's off-road geometry and suspension with the extra weight of the battery. The company has experience with this trade-off from the F-150 Lightning, which weighs more than the gas F-150 but still delivers strong towing and payload capacity. The electric Bronco will face similar engineering decisions.
Regenerative braking — the system that captures energy when slowing down and feeds it back to the battery — will also play a role in off-road performance. On steep descents, regenerative braking can help control speed without wearing out the friction brakes, which is useful in technical terrain.
What about charging and range?
Ford has not announced the electric Bronco's range or charging specifications. The Mustang Mach-E, which is smaller and lighter, offers up to 312 miles of EPA-estimated range on the extended-range battery. The F-150 Lightning offers up to 320 miles. The electric Bronco's range will depend on its final battery size, motor efficiency, and weight — all of which Ford has not yet detailed.
Charging will likely use both Level 2 home chargers (240 volts) and DC fast chargers for road trips. Ford's other EVs support DC fast charging, and the Bronco almost certainly will too. Charging time will vary based on the charger type and battery size, but Ford's current EVs typically take 30 minutes to 10 hours depending on the scenario.
When might the electric Bronco arrive, and what could it cost?
Ford has said the electric Bronco will arrive in the mid-to-late 2020s, which means 2025 or later. The company has not announced a specific year. Ford's product roadmap has shifted several times as the company adjusts to supply chain challenges and market demand, so the timeline could move.
Pricing is also unknown. The current gas Bronco starts around $30,000 for the base two-door model and climbs to $60,000 or more for fully equipped four-door versions. Electric vehicles typically carry a price premium over their gas equivalents, but federal tax credits and state incentives can offset some of that cost. The Mustang Mach-E starts in the mid-$40,000 range, and the F-150 Lightning starts around $55,000 before incentives. The electric Bronco will likely fall somewhere in that range, but Ford has not confirmed this.
How does this compare to other electric off-road vehicles?
The electric Bronco will enter a growing market of battery-powered SUVs and trucks. The Rivian R1S is a three-row electric SUV designed for off-road use, with a starting price around $75,000. The Hummer EV, coming from General Motors, is another large electric SUV aimed at off-road buyers. Jeep has announced an all-electric Wrangler, which will be the Bronco's closest competitor in terms of size, price, and off-road focus.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is already available as a plug-in hybrid, offering a middle ground between gas and full electric. That vehicle starts around $50,000. The all-electric Wrangler, expected in the mid-2020s, will compete directly with the electric Bronco on design, capability, and price. Both vehicles will appeal to buyers who want traditional off-road styling and capability with zero-emission driving.
What should you know before waiting for the electric Bronco?
If you are interested in an electric Bronco, understand that the vehicle does not yet exist for purchase. Ford's timeline is mid-to-late 2020s, which means you have time to research and compare. The gas Bronco is available now and has proven reliable in the market since its 2021 return. If you need an off-road vehicle soon, the gas or hybrid options from Ford, Jeep, and other manufacturers are ready to buy today.
Electric vehicle technology continues to improve, and battery costs are falling. Waiting for the electric Bronco means you will benefit from more mature EV technology, better charging infrastructure, and potentially lower prices. However, it also means you are betting on Ford's timeline and the final specifications. The company could delay the launch, change the design, or adjust the price based on market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the electric Bronco have the same design as the current gas Bronco?
Ford has said the electric Bronco will maintain the design language and off-road capability of the gas Bronco, but the final styling has not been shown. Electric vehicles often require different cooling and aerodynamic approaches than gas cars, so there will likely be some changes. The overall shape and character should remain recognizable as a Bronco.
Can I reserve or pre-order the electric Bronco now?
Ford has not opened reservations or pre-orders for the electric Bronco. The company typically opens pre-orders closer to the launch date. You can check Ford's official website or contact a Ford dealer to ask about future availability and to express interest.
Will the electric Bronco be able to tow and carry cargo like the gas version?
Ford has not announced towing or payload capacity for the electric Bronco. The F-150 Lightning can tow up to 14,000 pounds, which is less than the gas F-150 but still substantial. The electric Bronco's towing and payload will depend on its final motor and battery configuration, which Ford has not disclosed.
What federal tax credit might explore to the electric Bronco?
The current federal tax credit for electric vehicles is up to $7,500, but may be able to access depends on the vehicle's price, where it is assembled, and the buyer's income. Ford's future EVs may or may not may have access to, depending on how the credit rules change. Check the IRS website or consult a tax professional closer to the Bronco's launch date for the most current information.
Should I buy a gas Bronco now or wait for the electric version?
That depends on your timeline and priorities. If you need an off-road vehicle now, the gas Bronco is proven and available. If you can wait until the mid-to-late 2020s and want zero-emission driving, the electric Bronco may suit you better. Consider your budget, how often you drive, and whether charging infrastructure is available where you live.