Jeep Fans, Some Exciting Electric SUVs are Heading Your Way
If you‘re like me and love the idea of an electric vehicle with true off-road grit, I‘ve got great news for you. Jeep is charging forward with two new EVs – the Recon and Wagoneer S – slated for release in 2024. As an EV analyst and Jeep enthusiast, I‘m pumped about what these new models promise for the brand. Let‘s take a closer look at what Jeep has revealed so far and why these vehicles matter.
Jeep Recon: Rugged Electric Off-Roader
The Jeep Recon is shaping up to be the perfect EV for off-road adventures. As a compact SUV, it‘s designed from the ground up to deliver legendary Jeep 4×4 capability without the tailpipe.
Based on what Jeep has shared so far, some of the key features we can expect include:
- New dedicated EV platform – Maximizes cabin and battery space
- Removable doors and roof – Retains open-air feel, now quietly!
- Powered soft top – One-button operation for top down driving
- Upright, boxy profile – Optimal for off-road maneuverability
- Short overhangs – Improves approach/departure angles
- Good ground clearance – Essential for clearing obstacles and trails
- All-terrain tires and tow hooks – The right tools when things get rocky
- Selec-Terrain drive modes – Let you tailor traction for different surfaces
- E-locker axles – Provide extra grip at the push of a button
These capabilities lead me to believe the Recon willspecs. For range, something in the 200-250 mile ballpark seems realistic based on current EV battery tech. This would give you enough juice for a full day of trails plus the drive home to recharge.
As for power, I expect Jeep to equip the Recon with dual motors for max traction. Total output could land around 300-400 horsepower to give it serious grunt for challenging terrain.
Some key specs I‘m hoping to see on the Recon:
| Specification | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Battery Size | 80-100 kWh |
| Range | 200-250 miles |
| Power | 300-400 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 5-6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 110+ mph |
| Cargo Capacity | 25-30 cubic feet |
As an avid off-roader, the Recon excites me as a Jeep that can silently conquer trails on electrons alone. I can‘t wait to see it in action!
Jeep Wagoneer S: Electrified Luxury & Performance
At the other end of the spectrum, Jeep is cooking up the Wagoneer S as a high-performance EV flagship. The early concept Jeep revealed shows some seriously drool-worthy specs:
- 600 hp and comparable torque – This thing will move!
- 3.5 second 0-60 mph time – Leaves many sports cars in the dust
- Estimated 400 miles of range – Great for long highway drives
- Dual motor AWD – Should deliver tenacious grip
- Sleeker aerodynamic profile than typical boxy Jeeps
- Cool rear wing sprouting from the D-pillars
- Gorgeous glass roof lets the sun shine in
- Luxurious interior fit and finish
The Wagoneer S is aiming to be one of the quickest and most powerful SUVs ever made. If those output figures hold up, it will rival ultra-high-performance SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX707, and Mercedes-AMG G63. This chart compares the potential performance of the Wagoneer S against some key competitors:
| Model | Horsepower | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|
| Wagoneer S | 600 hp (est.) | 3.5 sec (est.) |
| Lamborghini Urus | 641 hp | 3.3 sec |
| Aston Martin DBX707 | 707 hp | 3.1 sec |
| Mercedes-AMG G63 | 577 hp | 4.5 sec |
Blend this blistering performance with the smooth, silent power delivery of an EV, and the Wagoneer S could be an absolute beast. As a tech lover, I‘m thrilled to see electrification elevating Jeep into ultra-high-performance territory.
Jeep Is Charging Hard Toward an Electric Future
The Wagoneer S and Recon represent just the tip of the spear when it comes to Jeep‘s electrification push. The brand is undergoing a major expansion of its EV offerings with targets to hit 50% EV sales in the U.S. and 100% in Europe by 2030.
To put Jeep‘s EV goals into perspective, let‘s look at some sales data. In 2021, Jeep sold over 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. So by 2030, Jeep is aiming for over 300,000 annual EV sales domestically. Meanwhile, Jeep sold around 230,000 vehicles in Europe during 2021. Transitioning this entire volume to EVs would require a massive shift to electrification in under a decade.
To ramp up EV production, Jeep is launching four all-new electric models in Europe by 2025:
- Avenger subcompact SUV
- Recon
- Wagoneer S
- One more mystery EV coming!
For the U.S. market, Jeep will supplement the Recon and Wagoneer S with plug-in hybrid 4xe variants of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. This range of options will help Jeep phase in electrification across various vehicle segments and regional markets.
As an EV analyst, I‘m bullish on Jeep‘s aggressive approach. The brand has both the heritage and forward-thinking vision to make the transition successfully. And by leveraging Stellantis‘ vehicle platforms and battery expertise, Jeep can bring strong products to market while reining in development costs.
The road ahead will have challenges, but the payoff for consumers will be phenomenal electric Jeeps packing huge power and tech. The Recon and Wagoneer S are poised to lead the charge beginning in 2024. Buckle up and get amped!