Jeep Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid ute delayed to 2023

The plug-in hybrid Jeep Gladiator 4xe ute will now arrive in 2023, according to industry rumours – some two years later than planned.

Jeep had originally announced it would offer an electrified version for each of its models by 2022, but a new report from Mopar Insiders says the Gladiator will miss out on a plug-in hybrid powertrain until the dual-cab ute receives its mid-life update in late 2023.

It’s expected the Gladiator will share its powertrain with the Wrangler 4xe, using a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine matched with two electric motors, powered by a 400-volt lithium-ion battery pack.

The first electric motor is mounted on the front of the engine to provide mild-hybrid assistance, while the main electric motor sits between the engine and transmission, allowing the car to run on pure-electric power while still taking advantage of Jeep’s mechanical low-range four-wheel-drive system.

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The total power output for the Wrangler’s 4xe powertrain is 280kW and 637Nm, with up to 34 kilometres of pure-electric driving available, and a combined consumption of 4.8L/100km (EPA cycle).

“Not every new electric model will be seen in every single market or region right away, it will gradually come and how soon will depend on the local market and if governments are willing to promote electrification and greater grid development,” Jeep CEO Christian Meunier told a media roundtable back in July.

“What I am convinced of is what we provide will be appealing to our customers. It will come as soon as possible, as soon as the market is ready for it.”