Jeep unveils EV trio including rugged Recon and luxurious Wagoneer S
When Jeep said a year ago that it planned electric options in all SUV segments by 2025, the company did not mean simply adding batteries to its existing lineup.
Instead, Jeep plans to add new vehicles to its lineup, and Jeep unveiled the first three on Thursday.
They include the Avenger, an urban runabout; the Recon, a Wrangler-like off-roader; and the luxury Wagoneer, codenamed Wagoneer S for now, which will go on sale in Europe in early 2023 and then in some Asian markets, although it is expected to be available in the U.S. in early 2023, The launch in the U.S. has not yet been decided. The official debut will take place on October 17 at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, and production will take place at a plant in Poland.
The Avenger is a subcompact model of which a prototype has already been spotted. It will ride on the CMP platform of Jeep's parent company, Sterantis, and will have a choice of internal combustion engines in some markets. Models related to Alfa Romeo and Fiat are also expected to appear.
Jeep has confirmed that the Recon and Wagoneer S will land in the U.S. in 2024 after their official debut in 2023. Production will take place at a plant in North America. Timing will be announced at a later date, but it has been confirmed that both vehicles will eventually be launched in Europe and other markets.
According to Jeep, the Recon is an electric vehicle that will replace the Wrangler, not a direct replacement; it is based on Stellantis' STLA large EV-specific platform, Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management, e-rocker axles, underbody protection, tow hooks, and chunky off-road tires. It will also feature removable doors and a power top with a large opening for a semi-open-air experience.
Finally, the Wagoneer S is a new mid-size electric SUV that brings Wagoneer-style luxury to the world. It too will offer Jeep's off-road know-how, but will combine this with EV performance. According to Jeep, owners can expect 600 horsepower, 0-60 mph acceleration in about 3.5 seconds, and a range of 400 miles.
Jeep has confirmed that a fourth electric SUV will be available in the U.S. and other markets by 2025, but its identity has not yet been revealed. It could be the compact Cherokee class.
Jeep plans to have 50% of its U.S. sales be EVs by 2030, and 100% in Europe by the same date.
Jeep also announced that it will add plug-in hybrid options to the rest of its lineup by 2025, as well as 4xe versions of the current Compass, Grand Cherokee, Renegade, and Wrangler. This is all part of a broader strategy known as "Deer Forward 2030," in which Sterantis plans to invest more than $35 billion worldwide in electrification and software through 2025.