I’ve previously written that, based on Wrangler 4xe sales, a Ford Bronco PHEV would be a surefire winner in the U.S. Ford is engineering a Bronco PHEV for the Chinese market. Now it has announced a completely different Bronco PHEV for the European market. But if you want either one in the U.S., you’re out of luck.

Two markets, two Bronco PHEVs, zero for America

I was excited to see a Bronco “New Energy” EV with an optional range extender. It’s a unibody vehicle, similar to the Bronco Sport. But concept versions have the larger tires and full-size spare of the big Bronco. It features 444 horsepower, dual electric motors, and a 100 kWh battery. It’s targeting 136 miles of electric-only range. Best of all, it will be available with an internal combustion generator under the hood for unlimited range.

That setup mirrors the upcoming International “Scout” and Stellantis’ “Ramcharger,” both generating plenty of buzz. But because it uses a Chinese-sourced battery, Ford doesn’t plan to sell it in the West.

Automotive News Europe recently reported that Ford is launching a new PHEV for Europe that will wear a Bronco badge. It’s probably not the “New Energy” EV. My guess: a full-frame Bronco based on the Ford Ranger PHEV chassis. That pickup, in markets such as Australia, uses an 11.8 kWh battery pack and targets 27 miles of electric-only range. Reviewers have found it delivers closer to 16.5 miles. Still enough for around town.

Ford, if you’re reading this, I’m confident American buyers would love a Bronco “New Energy.” And if that’s impossible, benchmark the Wrangler 4xe’s 17 kWh battery and bring a full-frame Bronco PHEV to the U.S.