The first totally electric SUV for the North American market was unveiled by Jeep, a brand well-known for producing tough off-road vehicles.
The Wagnoneer S, which was introduced on Thursday night, will be available in the US and Canada later this year before being marketed in other regions. It will be Jeep’s first “global” EV. Currently, the company only provides the modest Avenger EV in Europe.
The Wagoneer S is expected to gauge Jeep buyers’ interest in a fully electric vehicle. It happens at a time when people are becoming less interested in electric cars despite stricter regulations around them. The new SUV is a manifestation of Jeep parent firm Stellantis’ adaptable approach to EV development and construction.
Executives have stated that new Stellantis cars are engineered such that gas-powered, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric variants can be built using the same fundamental engineering, enabling the manufacturer to easily adapt to meet market demand.
Antonio Filosa, the CEO of Jeep, did not rule out the possibility of Wagoneer S plug-in hybrid models in the future, using technology akin to the Ram Ramcharger truck, should the firm sense a need for them. The Ramcharger can only travel a considerable distance on electricity before switching to a gas-powered engine, in contrast to other plug-in hybrids. That isn’t scheduled for now, though.
Compared to the current Jeep Wagoneer models on the market, the new Wagoneer S boasts a sleeker, more aerodynamic design. According to Stellantis, the SUV will have two electric motors that can generate up to 600 horsepower, and it can reach 60 mph in under 3.4 seconds. According to Stellantis, it will also be able to go more than 300 miles on a fully charged battery pack before requiring recharging.
Although Jeep’s corporate image heavily emphasizes off-road ability, Stellantis did not highlight this feature when introducing the Wagoneer S. However, the business also unveiled the Wagoneer S Trailhawk concept, which features an elevated suspension and big off-road tires in addition to the intended production vehicle. According to Filosa, Jeep is preparing to bring the Wagoneer S Trailhawk into production.
“That will be in the range with the most capable Jeep that we have out there,” he remarked.
One of Jeep’s current product ambitions is the Recon, a tough electric vehicle with off-road capability that will be on sale early in 2019.
Jeep’s recognizable seven-slot grille will light up at night to provide a walking path approaching the SUV since it isn’t necessary to cool a gas engine.
Five “drive modes” are available to drivers: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Sand. These modes automatically modify various aspects of the vehicle, such as the power output to individual wheels and the responsiveness of traction control systems.
Later this year, the Wagoneer S will debut on sale, with well-equipped “Launch Edition” vehicles starting at roughly $72,000. Executives stated that later models might also be offered at lower and higher prices.
