Jeep showed off its very first all-electric model in recent days, a small SUV codenamed '516', ahead of its launch in the first half of 2023.
With the increasing popularity of compact pick-ups in the US, such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, it makes sense that Jeep might be considering a lifestyle ute of its own to slot in under the dual-cab Gladiator.
Artist Theottle has created these digital renderings to provide a glimpse of what it could look like, and we’ve named it the Jeep Scrambler – a throwback to a small ute offered by the US carmaker between 1981 and 1986.
While the original Scrambler was touted as “America's first small 4x4 pick-up,” this new version could well be America’s first small electric pick-up, with most manufacturers currently focused on battery-powered versions of full-size pick-ups like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and the future Ram 1500 EV.
The Jeep SUV on which this ute is based is said to be underpinned by the e-CMP platform shared across other Stellantis electric models, though some outlets are reporting the Jeep could introduce a rear-mounted electric motor, giving the 516 all-wheel drive.
The 2024 Jeep Scrambler ute may only exist in our imaginations at the moment, but given the sudden interest in small pick-ups in large markets like the US, there’s no doubt Jeep is considering its options.
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