Ford finally built the Bronco many Americans would want -- but it is stuck in China

Ford’s Bronco New Energy represents the brand’s attempt to deliver a rugged, family-friendly, electrified SUV with a substantial real-world range, yet the model is currently confined to China rather than the United States. The lineup includes a fully battery-electric version and an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV, in which a 1.5-liter gas engine charges the battery instead of driving the wheels, delivering up to 404 miles of total range. Developed with Ford’s local joint venture partner JMC and built on a China-focused supply chain, the Bronco New Energy carries a base price around $32,000 and carries features highlighted by InsideEVs such as a large glass roof, reclining front seats, and an inflatable interior mattress. Analysts say a Bronco-styled EV could offer a compelling mix of utility and lower ownership costs, but its United States fate remains uncertain. The model’s China-only rollout reflects tariff, software, and regulatory hurdles that would complicate a North American launch, according to industry observers. Rivian’s R2 SUV, launched at about $57,000 with a planned $45,000 entry option, provides a close reference point for Ford as it weighs a U.S. Bronco‑styled EV against domestic competition and pricing pressures.