UPDATE, September 10, 2022: Jeep has now confirmed which EVs it will bring to Australia
Speaking with Australian media in Detroit, Jeep's boss has confirmed we'll see the electric Recon and Wagoneer in Australia, with the Avenger still under consideration. Get the full story at the link below.
The story to here
Snapshot
- Jeep reveals three upcoming electric SUVs
- Hints at further reveals at the Detroit Auto Show
- Plans for 50 per cent of US sales to be EV-only by 2030
Jeep has uncovered three electric SUV models, ahead of a market launch by 2025.
Revealed during the marque’s ‘4xe Day’ event, the first model to arrive is the Europe-focused and production-ready Avenger. It will be followed by the Recon off-roader and premium Wagoneer S, which were previewed by concept vehicles.
Announced on the eve of World EV Day (today, September 9), the iconic American brand confirmed plans for 50 per cent of sales in the US to be all-electric by 2030, and 100 per cent in Europe by the same year.
One further model is expected to be unveiled next year to round out the four all-electric vehicles promised by Jeep to launch by the end of 2024.
In addition, Jeep will offer electrification across its entire model range, with its 4xe-branded plug-in hybrid lineup set to expand beyond the existing Wrangler and Grand Cherokee over the next three years.
This will include a plug-in hybrid version of the upper-large Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models – with an 800 kilometre combined driving range – while a new-generation Cherokee medium SUV is expected soon.
At present, all models are unconfirmed for the Australian market, with no local indication provided during the video presentation or in press material issued by Jeep.
The plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe five-seater will become Jeep Australia's first electrified vehicle when it launches in early 2023.
Jeep Recon
The first model to launch in North America will be the 2024 Jeep Recon, which shares familiarity with the rugged Wrangler.
Jeep promises the vehicle has “true trail-rated capability”, with highlights including a one-touch rooftop, removable doors and glass, a traction management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks, and off-road tyres.
It will run the latest generation of Stellantis’s infotainment suite, including an off-road navigation system with pre-loaded trail maps, as previewed at the company’s Software Day event in 2021.
Like the Wrangler, a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate will feature, while the iconic seven-slot grille is closed-off and illuminated.
It is believed the Recon is based on the modular STLA Large platform, which will underpin a range of electric models set to launch in the coming years.
Full details are scarce, but Jeep has confirmed the Recon will start production in 2024, with reservations to commence in early 2023.
Jeep Wagoneer
Jeep’s new Wagoneer sub-brand will gain its first electric model, with a new model codenamed Wagoneer S.
The marque claims the ‘S’ stands for “speed, striking and sexy”, featuring a 447kW dual-motor drivetrain, a 0-97km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds, and a claimed 644-kilometre driving range.
It will be sold “in major markets around the world, including Europe”, allowing for a potential Australian launch.
Design elements include its coupe SUV shape, slim front end, and large rear wing for aerodynamics.
With a luxury intent, rather than an off-road focus, the Wagoneer S is unlikely to be trail-rated, however, it is also likely to be underpinned by the STLA Large architecture.
Despite sharing its name with the massive Wagoneer models, the Wagoneer S is roughly similar in size to the smaller Grand Cherokee.
“We’ll delight our customers with a premium, highly efficient SUV that is loaded with technology and high quality craftmanship, offering 4x4 capability, high performance, rapid acceleration and a target range of 400 miles on a single charge,” said Jeep global boss Christian Meunier.
The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S will commence in North America in 2024, with reservations set to open in early 2023.
Jeep Avenger
The electric crossover teased in March has been officially revealed, with Jeep confirming it will adopt the Avenger nameplate previously used by sister brand Dodge.
It will be the first all-electric Jeep model to launch, with European sales commencing in early 2023.
Jeep stated the Polish-built Avenger light SUV will be sold in “other markets, such as Japan and South Korea,” but provided no indication for Australia.
Positioned below the Renegade small SUV, the 2023 Jeep Avenger is based on the STLA Small architecture, which is an evolution of the CMP platform found underneath several Peugeot, Citroen and Opel models.
Jeep is targeting a 400km driving range for the Avenger, and claims it will offer “impressive ground clearance, breakover and approach angles for its segment”.
Full details will be announced on October 17 at the Paris Motor Show.
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