The Jeep lineup of SUVs increased only last year with the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Now, this brand expands into the EV world.
Early indicators of what Jeep intended for the electric vehicle market led us to believe we would simply see hybrid and electric versions of the current lineup. Boy, were we wrong? This brand is coming to us with some new names and new models that will carry the torch for the off-roading brand in the electric vehicle world. To begin with, a trio of electric models arrives called Avenger, Recon, and Wagoneer S.
Will We See the Avenger in the United States?
The first electric model from Jeep to go on sale is the Avenger. This compact urban SUV might be the replacement for the Renegade in our market and the Fiat Panda in other areas. The Jeep Avenger is due to go on sale early in 2023 in the European and Asian markets. So far, no announcement has been made to tell us that it will arrive in the United states. The Avenger is being produced in Poland, which might mean its not meant for the US market.
We’ll See the Other Two Electric Jeeps
It almost seems unfathomable that a Jeep would not be offered in the United States. This brand was borne from a nickname giving to the Willys General Purpose vehicle by soldiers in the United States Army. That said, we will see the other two electric Jeep SUVs. The Recon and Wagoneer S are due to arrive in our market in 2024 after a debut in 2023. Both of these EVs are being made at plants in North America and will eventually cross the ocean and enter the European and Asian markets.
What is the Jeep Recon?
If all you knew was the name of the Jeep Recon what would you think it is. If you answered that it’s an electrified version of the Wrangler, you’re correct. The new Recon offers off-roaders an alternative to the venerable Wrangler. This makes perfect sense. Its nearly implausible to think that Jeep would ever discontinue the Wrangler. We might see an electrified version in the future, but starting in 2024, if you want an off-road electric Jeep, the right name for you is the Jeep Recon.
The Recon comes with the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system, an e-locker axle, underbody skid plates, tow hooks, and large off-road tires. The Recon follows along the Wrangler personality with removable doors and a power top to offer the open-air driving that we associate with driving a Jeep Wrangler.
What Dos the Jeep Wagoneer S Offer?
The largest of the three new electric Jeep SUVs is the Wagoneer S. This is the only one of the trio that brigs us a name we’re familiar with already. The Wagoneer S is a mid-size electric that offers style that’s similar to the full-size Wagoneer without the massive size. As expected, you’ll find the Jeep off-road prowess in this SUV, but that drive is combined with the electric vehicle architecture of this SUV.
How will the new Jeep Wagoneer S entice new Jeep owners?
Anyone looking for an electric SUV that brings a full menu to the drive should consider this model. The Wagoneer S is expected to bring 600 horsepower, incredible acceleration, and a 400-mile driving range. These performance qualities along with the luxury features should be more than enough to make sure Jeep shoppers consider this new electric model when they’re ready for the next Jeep they want to drive.
A Fourth Model Confirmed But Without a Name
By 2025 we will see a fourth electric Jeep SUV, but no name has been given to this new vehicle yet. It could fit in line with the Cherokee to offer a compact crossover alternative to the road-going model. These four EV models take Jeep toward its pan for 50% US sales of EVs by 2030 and 100% for Europe by the end of the decade.
Are There Any Hybrid Jeep SUVs?
Yes, there are two hybrid Jeeps currently in the market. These two models add 4xe to the already impressive Wrangler and Grand Cherokee names. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus two electric motors. This setup delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system is a plug-in version, allowing the Wrangler 4xe to offer 21 miles of pure electric driving range.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offers the same powertrain and power level but increases the electric driving range to 25 miles. Recharging the batteries of either of these hybrid SUVs takes a couple of hours using a 240-volt setup, but the gasoline engines can keep you driving for a long time between charges.
Why Does Jeep Offer New Electric SUVs and Not Simply Variants?
The hybrid models offered in the Jeep lineup are variants on the SUVs we already know and love to drive, why didn’t Jeep do this with the electric models? The reason we can come up with is the desire for differentiation. We don’t expect the fourth EV model to wear one of the classic Jeep names, and there’s an entire generation of drivers that don’t remember the previous versions of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. These new names offer use an expanded lineup and an easy way to know that these are the electrified versions.
Will you Choose an Electric Jeep?
So far, we have only a few specs to offer regarding the Avenger, Recon, and Wagoneer S. This doesn’t help you decide whether or not to buy one of these electric SUVs. As we come closer to the release date of each model, we can certainly expect to learn more about these vehicles. Will you consider driving an off-road SUV that has an electric powertrain or are you more inclined to look at the Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe and trust a hybrid powertrain that’s backed by a traditional gasoline engine?
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