Jeep has moved into the plug-in hybrid world, but it’s yet to reveal any meaningful details about its first production electric vehicle (EV). That looks set to change.
The brand will “make a series of announcements on its electrification plans” during the Jeep Brand 4xe day on September 8, and used a social media teaser to preview its “new era of electrification”.
Currently, Jeep offers plug-in hybrid versions of the Compass, Renegade, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs, which wear 4xe badging. The Gladiator ute is set to gain a 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain as well, given it’s a Wrangler with a tray.
While Jeep’s existing 4xe models use four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrains, the brand has also confirmed parent Stellantis will introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the new Hurricane inline-six that debuted in the Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L.
Upcoming Jeep electric SUV 
Beyond plug-in hybrids, Jeep has also offered a few glimpses at what its electric future might look like.
A small electric Jeep SUV is set to go on sale in 2023, likely sitting between the Renegade and Compass size-wise. It’s likely built on the same platform as the Citroen C4 and Peugeot 2008, and could be limited to the European market.
Jeep has also teased an electric model wearing the Wagoneer nameplate, currently used only on a Ram 1500-derived, full-sized SUV.
The brand teased in wireframe last July a “very capable” off-roading “whitespace” EV, but hasn’t released any details.
The rugged, boxy-looking SUV is one of eight vehicles set to be introduced over the next 3-5 years on the STLA Large electric vehicle architecture.
The wireframe teasers also depicted another vehicle wearing the iconic seven-slat Jeep grille, but with a smoother, more rakish body.
Jeep has also revealed a couple of Wrangler-based EV concepts.
The Magneto Concept 2.0 looks like a Wrangler, but is powered by an axial flux electric motor with 213kW of power and 370Nm of torque. It has an unusually low EV rev limit of 6000rpm, because the motor drives the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
The car has a total battery capacity of 70kWh with four battery packs located throughout its body to improve the balance.
One set replaces the fuel tank, another is positioned as a counterbalance, a third unit lives between the bonnet and electric motor, and the fourth occupies the area normally reserved for the muffler and rear storage compartment.
Jeep’s design boss, Mark Allen, has previously said electric power could make off-roaders “better” than is currently possible with internal-combustion power.
