Ford has not yet released an all-electric Bronco, though the company has tested electric SUV prototypes and plans to expand its EV lineup
As of now, Ford does not make a production Bronco that runs entirely on electricity. The Bronco lineup—reintroduced in 2021 after a 25-year gap—currently comes only with gasoline engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. Ford has publicly stated that an electric version is under consideration, but no official launch date, pricing, or specifications have been announced.
What exists is speculation and prototype testing. Ford has shown interest in electrifying its SUV and truck portfolio, and the Bronco's off-road heritage and strong sales make it a logical candidate. However, the company is prioritizing other electric vehicles first, including the Mustang Mach-E (already in production) and the F-150 Lightning (its electric pickup truck). An electric Bronco would need to balance the weight and range demands of a battery pack with the rugged capability the model is known for—a significant engineering challenge.
Key Takeaways
- Ford currently sells the Bronco only with gasoline engines; no electric version is in production or has an announced release date.
- Ford has tested electric SUV prototypes and has indicated interest in an electric Bronco, but this remains a future possibility rather than a confirmed product.
- The company is focusing its near-term EV efforts on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, which means an electric Bronco is not an when ready priority.
- An electric Bronco would need to deliver both off-road performance and adequate driving range, making it a more complex vehicle to develop than a standard electric SUV.
Why Ford is taking time with an electric Bronco
Building an electric off-road SUV is harder than building an electric sedan or crossover. The Bronco is designed for rough terrain—high ground clearance, short overhangs, locking differentials, and the ability to ford water. A battery pack adds significant weight to the vehicle's floor, which changes the center of gravity and affects how the suspension and drivetrain must be engineered. Ford has to solve these problems without compromising the Bronco's core identity.
Range is another constraint. A gasoline Bronco can travel 300 to 400 miles on a tank. An electric version would need to deliver similar range while carrying the weight of a large battery pack—and still fit within the Bronco's compact footprint. The Mustang Mach-E, which is larger, offers up to 312 miles of range in its longest configuration. A Bronco would need to match or exceed that while remaining nimble enough for off-road use.
Ford is also managing production capacity and battery supply. The company has committed billions to EV development, but it cannot launch every electric vehicle at once. The F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E are already competing for resources, and both are selling faster than Ford can produce them. An electric Bronco would require its own manufacturing line and battery allocation—investments that make sense only when demand for existing EVs stabilizes.
What an electric Bronco might look like
If Ford does build an electric Bronco, it will likely share the platform and battery technology with other Ford EVs. The Mustang Mach-E uses Ford's modular EV platform, which can be adapted for different body styles and sizes. An electric Bronco could use a similar architecture, allowing Ford to reuse engineering work and reduce development costs.
The vehicle would probably come in multiple battery sizes, offering a choice between range and price—just as the Mach-E does. A base model might offer 200 to 250 miles of range, while a higher-trim version could reach 300+ miles. Charging time would depend on the charger: a Level 2 home charger (240 volts) would take 8 to 12 hours for a full charge, while a DC fast charger could add 200 miles in 30 to 45 minutes.
Off-road capability would be the defining question. Ford could equip an electric Bronco with dual motors (one on each axle) for all-wheel drive and torque vectoring—the ability to send power to individual wheels for better traction on uneven terrain. This is technically possible and would actually improve off-road performance compared to a gasoline engine. However, it would also increase cost and reduce range, forcing Ford to make trade-offs in the design.
How the current Bronco compares to electric SUVs you can buy now
If you are considering an electric SUV and want something with off-road capability, you have limited options today. The Rivian R1S is the closest competitor—a three-row electric SUV designed for off-road use, with dual motors, adjustable air suspension, and genuine ground clearance. It offers up to 320 miles of range and starts around $70,000. However, Rivian is a new company with limited production capacity, and delivery times are long.
The Mustang Mach-E is more affordable and available now, but it is a crossover, not a true SUV. It has good ground clearance and all-wheel-drive options, but it is not designed for serious off-road work. The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV are similarly positioned—urban and suburban electric crossovers, not off-road vehicles.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid (not fully electric) that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. It offers genuine off-road capability and can run on electricity alone for short distances, but it is not a true EV. If you want an electric vehicle with real off-road credentials, the Rivian R1S is currently your only mainstream option, though it is expensive and hard to find.
When you might see an electric Bronco
Industry analysts and Ford's own statements suggest an electric Bronco could arrive sometime in the mid-to-late 2020s—possibly 2026 or 2027 at the earliest. This timeline allows Ford to complete development of its current EV lineup, build out battery production capacity, and gather real-world data on how electric vehicles perform in off-road conditions. It also gives the company time to see how the market responds to the Rivian R1S and other electric SUVs.
Ford has not committed to a specific date, and delays are common in the automotive industry. A vehicle announced today might not reach dealers for three to five years. If an electric Bronco is announced in 2024 or 2025, expect it to arrive in 2027 or 2028.
The gasoline Bronco will remain in production during this time. If you need a Bronco now, you will be buying one with a traditional engine. If you are willing to wait and want an electric version, monitor Ford's official announcements and automotive news sources for updates.
What to consider if you are deciding between a current Bronco and waiting for an EV
The choice depends on your timeline and priorities. If you need a vehicle in the next year or two, waiting for an electric Bronco is not practical—it does not exist yet, and no launch date is confirmed. Buying a gasoline Bronco now means you get a proven vehicle with established reliability and a strong resale market.
If you can wait three to five years and your priority is lower fuel costs and reduced emissions, an electric Bronco might make sense—assuming Ford delivers it and it meets your off-road needs. However, you should also consider alternatives: the Rivian R1S is available now (though expensive), and other electric SUVs will likely launch in the next few years from manufacturers like Chevrolet, GMC, and others.
Fuel costs matter less than you might think. A gasoline Bronco costs roughly $0.10 to $0.12 per mile in fuel, depending on gas prices and driving conditions. An electric vehicle costs roughly $0.03 to $0.05 per mile in electricity. Over 100,000 miles, that is a savings of $7,000 to $9,000—significant, but not enough to justify waiting years for a vehicle that may not arrive as promised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ford making an electric Bronco in 2024 or 2025?
No. Ford has not announced a launch date for an electric Bronco, and the company has not confirmed that one is in active development. The Bronco lineup currently includes only gasoline engines. Ford is prioritizing the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning for its near-term EV efforts.
Can I order an electric Bronco now?
No. There is no electric Bronco available for order. If you see a listing online claiming to sell an electric Bronco, it is either a scam or a misunderstanding. The only Broncos Ford sells are gasoline-powered.
How much would an electric Bronco cost?
Ford has not announced pricing. Based on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, an electric Bronco would likely start between $45,000 and $55,000 for a base model, with higher trims reaching $70,000 or more. This is speculation only.
Would an electric Bronco be good for off-roading?
Potentially, yes. Electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready, which is excellent for traction on rough terrain. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems can send power to individual wheels for better control. However, battery weight and range limitations would require careful engineering to maintain the Bronco's agility and capability.
What should I do if I want an electric off-road SUV now?
The Rivian R1S is the main option available today. It is designed for off-road use, offers genuine capability, and delivers up to 320 miles of range. It is expensive (starting around $70,000) and has long delivery times, but it is a real vehicle you can order now. Alternatively, you can wait for other manufacturers to launch electric SUVs in the coming years.