Ford considers electric Bronco for New Zealand

Ford New Zealand is evaluating the Chinese-built Bronco New Energy for the local market, though the company remains tight-lipped about timing or confirmation of the electrified SUV’s arrival.

The Bronco New Energy is understood to be in Ford’s local product plans, following Australian reports suggesting the model is bound for that market in late 2026 or early 2027 with pricing expected to start near AU$48,000 and reach close to AU$60,000.

Asked directly whether the electrified Bronco was coming to New Zealand, Ford NZ communications manager Tom Clancy declined to confirm.

“The Bronco New Energy is an exciting addition to the global Ford line-up, adding a new energy drivetrain to one of the world’s most iconic namenames,” Clancy says. “Ford New Zealand is always evaluating options to expand our line-up for customers, but we have no news to share about future products at this time.”

New Zealand allocation typically follows shortly after Australian launches when confirmed.

Chinese-built crossover, not US off-roader

The Bronco New Energy differs significantly from the rugged ladder-frame Bronco sold in the United States. Instead, it’s a unibody crossover developed by Ford’s joint venture with Jiangling Motors at the Nanchang plant, where production began in December 2025.

The SUV is offered as either a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) or an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). The pure-electric version uses a 105.4kWh BYD-supplied lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a claimed 650km range on China’s CLTC cycle, paired with dual motors producing a combined 332kW.

The EREV variant pairs a 43.7kWh battery and dual motors with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol generator, delivering around 220km of pure electric range and a total range of roughly 1220km.

Australian reports suggest only the EREV version is planned for that market, which would likely apply to New Zealand as well. Three trim levels are expected: Big Bend, Outer Banks and Badlands.

At 5025mm long, 1960mm wide and 1825mm tall, the Bronco New Energy is actually larger than the four-door US Bronco. It offers 220mm of ground clearance and 600mm wading depth. A flagship Basecamp variant adds a factory pop-up roof, modular tailgate with built-in induction cooktop and 6kW vehicle-to-load capability.

Second Chinese Ford for New Zealand

If confirmed, the Bronco New Energy would become the second Chinese-built Ford to reach New Zealand, following the Transit City van confirmed by Ford NZ managing director Annaliese Atina last month.

The potential launch could prove significant for Ford’s passenger lineup, which has been increasingly squeezed by pricing pressures in the local market. If the Bronco New Energy arrives at competitive pricing with its substantial range capabilities, it could represent one of Ford’s most important passenger vehicle launches in years.

Ford New Zealand continues to evaluate the model for local introduction, though no timeline has been confirmed.