Jeep, known for tough off-road cars, revealed its first electric SUV for North America. The Wagnoneer S will be in the US and Canada this year and then sold worldwide.
Jeep’s Wagoneer S is an electric SUV testing customers’ interest amid declining enthusiasm for electric vehicles. Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, aims for flexibility in EV development. Their vehicles can be easily adapted to gas, plug-in hybrid, or electric models to swiftly respond to the market.
Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa might consider making plug-in hybrid Wagoneer S models like the Ram Ramcharger pickup if customers show interest. Unlike typical plug-in hybrids, the Ramcharger can run on electricity for a long distance before using gas. There are currently no plans for this.
The upcoming Wagoneer S is more aerodynamic than current models. It will have 600 horsepower from two electric motors, go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and travel over 300 miles on a single charge. Stellantis revealed this information.
Jeep is known for off-road ability. Stellantis introduced Wagoneer S without highlighting its off-road features. However, they showcased a concept Wagoneer S Trailhawk with off-road tires and raised height. Jeep aims to make the Trailhawk version for sale.
Jeep plans to launch an off-road electric vehicle named the Recon soon. The Wagoneer S will avoid wood, leather, and chrome for environmental reasons, leading Stellantis to phase out chrome due to chemical concerns.
“Stellantis is going to back out of chrome over time, Hexavalent chrome, we know, is not the most amazing thing for the planet, so as we go we’re going to be killing it off.”
The Jeep’s iconic grille will light up at night to guide towards the SUV, as it doesn’t need to cool a gas engine anymore.
Drivers can select from five “drive modes ” — Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Sand — that will automatically adjust things like power output to individual wheels and the response of traction control systems.
The Wagoneer S will be sold this year starting at about $72,000 for the well-equipped “Launch Edition.” Cheaper and pricier options might come later, according to executives.
