Jeep says it will bring four fully-electric SUVs to the North American and European markets by 2025, starting with a Jeep Avenger 4xe in Europe and a fully electrified version of the “iconic” Wagoneer in the US.
The plan, announced as part of a “Jeep 4xe Day” held this week, is part of the luxury SUV-maker’s commitment to take all-electric vehicle sales to 50% of new car sales by 2030 in the US, and to 100% by that time in Europe.
So far, Jeep has focused mainly on plug-in hybrid vehicles in the US market, with a small number of electric-only models offered in a couple of EU markets like Germany and France. But like most of the rest of the world’s auto brands, it’s quickly getting the message on full electrification.
“We are designing and developing the most capable and sustainable Jeep SUVs to date, on our path to becoming the leading zero-emission SUV brand in the world,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO.
“This is a forward-thinking strategy to help ensure millions of Jeep fans around the world continue to have a planet to explore, embrace and protect. Electrification is great for our brand, making it even more capable, exciting, sustainable and fun.”
In a video on YouTube, Jeep gave first looks at two new fully electric SUVs – the Jeep Recon and the Wagoneer S (the S stands for “speed, striking and sexy,” apparently).
The Recon, which the company says will launch in the US in early 2023, will be offered exclusively as a BEV, and is described by Jeep as “a rugged, fully electric vehicle package.”
The 4×4 SUV will have “trail-rated capability with Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks and “aggressive” off-road tires.
According to the video, the Recon aims to offer a range of 500 miles, or roughly 800km. As a further touch, it will also offer “authentic Jeep open-air freedom” with a one-touch powertop, as well as removable doors and glass.
Jeep says the Recon SUV will be unveiled publicly next year, with production due to start in 2024 in North America. Customers in the US will be able to make reservations to buy one in early 2023.
The best we can offer on whether they will come to Australia is this line: “The Jeep Recon will be sold in major markets around the world, including Europe.”
The all-electric Wagoneer, meanwhile, will offer a sleek, aerodynamic design and 4×4 capability as standard, with all-terrain management, advanced Jeep brand-focused technology and “impressive performance credentials.”
Jeep says the this, too, will be offered exclusively as a BEV, targeting a range of 400 miles (647km) on a single charge, 600 hp, and “the upright iconic” Wagoneer side view.
“We’ll delight our customers with a premium, highly efficient SUV that is loaded with technology and high quality craftmanship, offering 4×4 capability, high performance, rapid acceleration and a target range of 400 miles on a single charge,” said Meunier.
The Wagoneer will also be unveiled to the public in 2023 and begin production in 2024 in North America, with reservations for US customers opening in early 2023. It, too, will – eventually – be sold in major markets around the world, including Europe.
But the first new BEV off the rank for Europe, where Jeep has made a start selling all-electric models, will be the Avenger, a compact SUV that was previewed during the Stellantis Dare Forward long-term strategic plan earlier this year.
Jeep says the all-new Avenger will be introduced in Europe and other markets like Japan and South Korea – potentially making it a more promising contender for the Australian market – and will be produced in the high-efficiency plant in Tychy, Poland.
The Avenger will have a targeted electric range of 400km, good ground clearance, breakover and approach angles, and deliver a modern and technologically advanced interior, with plenty of space, according to the bio.
“The all-new Avenger will offer Jeep brand capability that is rightsized for the European market,” said Antonella Bruno, head of Jeep Europe at Stellantis, the parent company.
“This modern, fun and emotional SUV will appeal to a growing set of customers who are looking for a capable, compact, modern and all-electric Jeep brand alternative to the current players.”
The Jeep Avenger will debut during the Paris Motor Show press day, on October 17, with reservations opening for customers that same day. It will arrive in showrooms in early 2023.
