Big Boy Bronco Plug-In Hybrid

toddward

Aug 04, 2022

I've finally convinced the wife to get a Bronco...she's actually quite excited about it. We really want to do some overlanding. The one thing, however, is we'd probably want to go with a hybrid plug-in version. Do you think we might see an offering in 2023?

What are some arguments against a plug-in?

Speed Devil, Crawler Green

Last edited by a moderator: Aug 04, 2022

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Aug 04, 2022

toddward
I've finally convinced the wife to get a Bronco...she's actually quite excited about it. We really want to do some overlanding. The one thing, however, is we'd probably want to go with a hybrid plug-in version. Do you think we might see an offering in 2023?

What are some arguments against a plug-in?

While I would like to see a plug in hybrid, I dont think we will until at least the Refresh in MY24 or 25. The VIN guide release the other day only had the 2.3, 2.7 and the Raptor 3.0 as engine options, and they would have included the Hybrid drivetrain on there if one was going to appear. I think you guys will have to wait a little longer for the Hybrid.

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

Deano Bronc, Marmot

Aug 04, 2022

That's kind of what I was fearing.

Aug 04, 2022

If its like my powerboost....I would LOVE this option. If it is a plug-in, meh.
I would be interested in the off-road integrity stats from 4xe.

2022 Badlands / Sasquatch / 2.7 / Auto / 2DR / MIC / Bestop Trektop / LUX / 12000# Badland winch / in Hot Pepper Red

Deano Bronc, Aeon365

Aug 04, 2022

I think that Ford should get they rest of us our Broncos BEFORE making major changes like Hybrid versions.

I will say that the Ford CEO put out that their EV program is going to be live much sooner then they expected. I believe that he hinted at 2023! So who knows, maybe they will release something at the half year?

I just want my Bronco!

Aug 04, 2022

If you are planning on using the Plugin Hybrid for Overlanding it is not really great for that. the batteries are Heavy and as seen in TFL off road video the 4Xe only goes about 8 miles (or was it 4) on the Battery off road. so that means the rest of the time you are lugging around the extra weight for nothing. If you are going to be using the Hybrid for a daily and you don't have a long commute it is good for that, and to have a capable off roader to boot is a bonus. but if you will be off the grid for days the Hybrid will probably cost you more in fuel due to the extra weight of the batteries. does it have its place? I feel it does, just not for overlanding at least until they get some chargers on the trails or some better tech. Just my take on it.

BN 1100, Desert Sand Everglades. Reservation 7/30/20. ordered 1/22/21, reordered 10/15/21 dropped tow and hard top, reordered 3/9/22 changed to Everglades. production date 9/7/22 rescheduled 9/14/22 completed 9/26/22, shipped 10/7/22, arrived 10/31/22, delivered 11/03/22

Deano Bronc, 307Slider

Aug 04, 2022

if you want to do overlanding stay away from electric or plug in hybrid. you wont get the range sometimes required. but I would say we will see a plugin or all electric by 2025

Jakob1972

Aug 04, 2022

toddward
I've finally convinced the wife to get a Bronco...she's actually quite excited about it. We really want to do some overlanding. The one thing, however, is we'd probably want to go with a hybrid plug-in version. Do you think we might see an offering in 2023?

May the Ford be with you, always.
On Order: Badlands 4-door 2.7, Lux Package, Velocity Blue, non-Sasquatch

Aeon365, Speed Devil

Aug 05, 2022

Jakob1972
If you are planning on using the Plugin Hybrid for Overlanding it is not really great for that. the batteries are Heavy and as seen in TFL off road video the 4Xe only goes about 8 miles (or was it 4) on the Battery off road. so that means the rest of the time you are lugging around the extra weight for nothing. If you are going to be using the Hybrid for a daily and you don't have a long commute it is good for that, and to have a capable off roader to boot is a bonus. but if you will be off the grid for days the Hybrid will probably cost you more in fuel due to the extra weight of the batteries. does it have its place? I feel it does, just not for overlanding at least until they get some chargers on the trails or some better tech. Just my take on it.

Yea, good points to that. However, as I understand it (of course probably speculation), the plug in option might be capable to switch to engine only instead of using batteries. But then you're lugging around the batteries all the time reducing fuel economy.

Jakob1972

Aug 05, 2022

toddward
Yea, good points to that. However, as I understand it (of course probably speculation), the plug in option might be capable to switch to engine only instead of using batteries. But then you're lugging around the batteries all the time reducing fuel economy.

The only difference between a PHEV and an HEV is a larger battery and the charging components. Both will run on a mix of the gas engine and stored electrical power - the PHEV just can store more (and weighs more).
Both would be incredibly useful in overlanding as it would give you an awesome generator for electrical power. The HEV would be lighter and cheaper and certainly the better bang for the buck.
An HEV Bronco will probably come out in 24MY alongside the new Ranger which has been hinted at having hybrid offerings.

BL EG 7MT 2.3L Lux O-=====-O Michigan
Order: 10/26/21, Blend: 8/8/22, Built: 8/30, Driveway: 9/20/22

Deano Bronc

Aug 05, 2022

#10

Crawler Green
The only difference between a PHEV and an HEV is a larger battery and the charging components. Both will run on a mix of the gas engine and stored electrical power - the PHEV just can store more (and weighs more).
Both would be incredibly useful in overlanding as it would give you an awesome generator for electrical power. The HEV would be lighter and cheaper and certainly the better bang for the buck.
An HEV Bronco will probably come out in 24MY alongside the new Ranger which has been hinted at having hybrid offerings.

So are you saying you would use the battery as a power source at camp and would not use the electric drive mode for the trail? Which I agree would give you a nice power source for camp but would it be better to carry a solar generator instead of shlepping the HEV batteries around all the time. I am talking for overlanding specifically. As a daily that you take off-road once and a while a PHEV makes sense to me.
Not picking a fight I truly am confused.

Aug 05, 2022

#11

The added weight will not make going off road any better. It will make you sink faster in mud, so have fun.

Aug 05, 2022

#12

jzweedyk
The added weight will not make going off road any better. It will make you sink faster in mud, so have fun.

And that is what I always wondered, I use to put my JK threw some 2-3 foot mud-bugs and stream crossings. How are the batteries going to hold up to that, has anyone seen video of a 4xe taking on such tasks???

Aug 05, 2022

#13

Jakob1972
So are you saying you would use the battery as a power source at camp and would not use the electric drive mode for the trail? Which I agree would give you a nice power source for camp but would it be better to carry a solar generator instead of shlepping the HEV batteries around all the time. I am talking for overlanding specifically. As a daily that you take off-road once and a while a PHEV makes sense to me.
Not picking a fight I truly am confused.

I don't think the PHEV gives much benefit over the HEV on an overland trip - as people have mentioned, it adds a fair bit of weight without any real benefit. It will give you power longer with the engine off - to be recharged on your drive - but that is probably not that big of a deal. Either way, the Power-Boost Hybrid that is in the F-150 acts like a drivable powerplant for a work-site, tailgating party, or overlanding trip - so if the Bronco has something similar, that would be a benefit in addition to the fuel savings. You certainly can buy a solor-panel system for power too, which wouldn't burn fuel at the campsite, but it's just another accessory to pack, setup, and repack every time you stop. Everything has its pros and cons.

BL EG 7MT 2.3L Lux O-=====-O Michigan
Order: 10/26/21, Blend: 8/8/22, Built: 8/30, Driveway: 9/20/22

Jakob1972

Aug 05, 2022

#14

Did anyone else check to see if he was from the West Coast?

2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
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Aug 06, 2022

#15

RagnarKon
Batteries are sealed. Should be fine. It's heavy for sure, but for the type of off-roading the vast majority of people do, the 4xe is more than capable.

Truthfully I don't anyone can seriously argue that a PHEV or a HEV is a better off-roader or overlanding vehicle than a traditional ICE. That'll likely change with time as the technology improves... but right now the trade-offs aren't worth the benefits.

BUT... the fact of the matter the vast majority of the people who buy a Wrangler or a Bronco are not serious off-roaders or truly into overlanding. Most people are using their Wranglers/Broncos as everyday vehicles, trips down to the lake, soccer practice/games, weekend camping trips, ski trips, just general family vehicles. For many... these vehicles will also be their daily driver. Which means for a lot of people a hybrid makes a lot of sense. A PHEV with 20 miles of electric range can get many people to work or the store entirely on electric power.

It's kind of like pickups in this country. They were originally designed to be work trucks and to haul trailers, but the overwhelming majority of pickup trucks I see on the road today are not towing anything and have nothing in the truck bed.

These are great points. Weekdays, I'm going to be doing my work (usually from home)--I'd love to work from a camp site if internet was available. The family might plan a couple week long trips somewhere on the East Coast and inland, might run to the a beach camp site for the weekend, etc. I, myself, would do some trips on my own due to my love of camping and learning how to off-road.

All in all, the Bronco would probably be 75% work/commute, 25% overlanding.

Deano Bronc, Crawler Green

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