Exclusive model for the Chinese market offers 1,220 km of total autonomy and targets local competition with aggressive pricing
Ford started sales of the new electric Ford Bronco in the Chinese market this week. Developed in partnership with JMC specifically for Asia, the SUV marks the American automaker’s attempt to regain relevance in the world’s largest market, dominated by electrified vehicles. Unlike the combustion model sold in the West, this version acts as a technological laboratory, combining the brand’s robust architecture with low-cost local components.
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The technical highlight of the launch lies in the two engine configurations. The top-of-the-line EREV (electric vehicle with range extender) version combines two 416 hp electric motors with a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine, which works exclusively as a generator. The set, powered by a 43.7 kWh BYD battery, allows a total range of 1,220 km without stops.
The purely electric option (BEV) offers 445 hp and is equipped with 105.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, ensuring a range of 650 km in the Chinese CLTC cycle. The electric model also has a 160-liter “frunk” (front trunk), taking advantage of the absence of the combustion engine.
At 5 meters long, the Chinese Bronco maintains off-road characteristics, such as 220 mm of ground clearance and aggressive angles of attack. The interior reflects the local consumer’s demand for connectivity: there is a 15.6-inch central screen, 70-inch augmented reality head-up display and a package of 31 ADAS sensors operated by high-capacity processing chips.
The pricing strategy is aggressive to contain the advance of local brands. The model starts at 229,800 yuan (approximately R$ 185 thousand in direct conversion), a value lower than that of many Western competitors. The launch underlines traditional automakers’ reliance on China’s supply chain — including batteries and chips — to remain competitive globally.
