Is A Ford Bronco Hybrid Coming? UPDATE

• Video with SYNC infotainment functionality “leaks” an electrified Bronco.

• Ford made no mention of a hybrid powertrain option at the big reveal earlier this week.

• A transcript from the May 2019 Ford Shareholder meeting highlights a hybrid version of the Bronco.

It’s a well-known fact that the full-size light-duty pickup truck segment is extremely competitive. With what we’ve seen this week, it looks as though the niche hardcore off-road SUV segment is even more competitive. Now, it looks like Ford will indeed introduce a hybrid version of the new Bronco.

Truck and SUV fans the world over are still talking about the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco that was launched earlier this week. It may go down as the biggest introduction of 2020, and the news keeps coming. Rumours about a hybrid or electrified Ford Bronco had circulated and at the reveal, Ford made no mention of such a model. But now, it looks as though there’s proof.

A Ford Bronco digital gauges and instrument cluster UI video shared on YouTube shows animated drive mode menus as they are being toggled through. The words “EV Coaching” are clearly visible.

UPDATE: We have removed the link to the video as a result of a take-down request.

What’s more, autoevolution has obtained a transcript of the May 9^th, 2019, Ford Motor Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in which Ford Boss Jim Hackett says:

“We’re committed to new propulsion systems that offer cleaner fuel without sacrificing performance, including a unique Ford approach to electric vehicles that takes advantage of our strongest nameplates. We’re adding hybrid electrics to high-volume profitable vehicles like Explorer and the new exciting Bronco.”

With Explorer and Bronco mentioned in the same breath, we think there might be a link between the two. As we know, the Explorer hybrid is available now and is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.3-litre V6 that puts out 318 system horsepower. The new 2021 Ford F-150 will get a PowerBoost hybrid version but we think an EcoBoost 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 which could be good for well over 400 horsepower might be overkill for the Bronco. Then again…

Clearly, and once more, Ford is out to get the Jeep Wrangler. Remember that Jeep was ready as it has officially announced a 4xe PHEV version and, officially unofficially, a 392 6.4-litre V8 iteration.