Episode 674 – The Jeep EV That You Actually Want

This Week In Jeep

A New Recon For Jeep

Jeep will introduce four new all-electric SUVs in North America and Europe by the end of 2025 as part of a broader strategy to have EVs comprise 50 percent of sales in the US and 100 percent in Europe by 2030. This week, Jeep showed the first images of two fully electric SUVs — the all-new Wrangler-inspired Jeep Recon and a new electric Wagoneer, codenamed Wagoneer S. Both models are expected to arrive in North America and other regions by 2024. Slotting into the premium SUV segment, the Wagoneer S will likely have a very big battery: Jeep says it’s targeting a range of 400 miles on a single charge, 600 hp, and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds. The Wagoneer S will get a full reveal next year, but based on the teaser images, it looks slightly less hulking than its gas-powered namesake.

The automaker will also release a compact, 2-door electric SUV, the Jeep Avenger early next year, though it will only be available in Europe. What’s interesting is that the images of the “Avenger” look a lot like the Jeepster. I wonder if it’s the same vehicle with a different name. Which begs the question, if they can name it something other than Jeepster there, why can’t they do that here as well? Speaking of names, Dodge, another Stellantis brand and Mopar cousin to Jeep used to have a sedan called the Avenger as well. So the nameplate regurgitation infection that has plagued Jeep for a decade now seems to know no bounds, as the oh-so incredibly imaginative people in charge of naming new vehicles at Stellantis are now pulling names from other automakers. I swear that was illegal or protected under copyright, but maybe since it’s all under the Stellantis umbrella it may be fair game. Major details, like battery capacity, trim levels, and price, are still being kept under wraps, as are details surrounding the fourth model, which will also be revealed at a later date. The automaker aspires to become the number one seller of electric SUVs in the world, and so far they’re off to a good start. Meanwhile, Jeep has already released plug-in hybrid versions of its Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs. The automaker does not currently sell any fully battery-electric models, though it has released several concepts, the Magneto concepts come to mind there. But that will change, starting next year with the aforementioned Europe-only Jeep Avenger. It makes sense that the automaker is targeting the European market first; Europe has a more mature EV charging network than the US, and EVs outsell gas models in many European countries, including Norway. Not so here in the states, where EVs are not only more expensive than normal vehicles, they have significantly less demand than what they have in Europe. And Europe isn’t like California which is now asking people NOT to charge their EVs, because doing so may force brownouts, and rolling blackouts because the grid can’t support the draw. Hmmm, where have we heard that before? What may change the lackluster demand for EVs in general here in the U.S. is the Jeep Recon. Not to be confused with the Extreme Recon package for the Wrangler, another facepalm naming moment for Jeep. Recon was previously the name given to a package of options for the Wrangler and other models that included suspension upgrades and larger tires.

Now it’s the name for one of Jeep’s new EVs, which the company says will only be offered as a battery-electric vehicle. Like the Wrangler, the Recon will be highly customizable, including removable doors and roof panels.

Buyers will be able to see a little bit of the Wrangler DNA infecting the design of the Recon, and that’s not by accident. For example, the Recon will have exposed door hinges (like the Wrangler) which bucks the trend of sleek, aerodynamic body types for most EVs. Way to be different Jeep, now why can’t you do that for the name badges you use? The Recon will be another in a long list of rugged, outdoor vehicles with the distinctive seven-slot grille in front. The EV will come with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, as well as e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks, and off-road tires. It will also feature the latest generation of Stellantis’ Uconnect software, which will include detailed travel guides on notable off-road trails. The Recon will arrive in North America in 2024, though interested buyers can reserve one starting in early 2023.

Feel Good Jeeper Story

While many people enjoyed the last unofficial day of summer on Labor Day, members of a local Kansas Jeep owners group took time to help a family in need. The group met up late Monday morning at a Topeka gas station at S.W. 10th Avenue and Wanamaker Road before heading to Wamego, where they would present funds and food items to the family of Shawn Adams. Shawn was critically injured in a three-vehicle, head-on crash on Aug. 21 near Silver Lake. They’ve raised $640 so far, a $50 gift card, and a Jeep full of snacks and stuff for the children, including a whole bunch of diapers. Organizers said Adams, who has a wife and three small children, remains a patient at a Kansas City hospital. Ten Jeeps were on hand for the 40-mile trek down Interstate 70 from Topeka to Wamego. Group members said they wanted to do something to help members of the struggling Adams family since Shawn was the sole provider. Members of the Jeep owners group said they want to continue to sponsor fundraisers to help people in need, something all too common with Jeepers nationwide. It started out in the beginning with aspirations of getting a bigger group and a bigger number to donate, but that just didn’t really work out that way. Despite a lot of excitement surrounding the event, the group had some bumps getting things figured out. But once they got things going, everything kind of figured itself out, and they got a good group of people together and involved.

Even though the group didn’t reach their goal, they got everybody together and rolled out to give this family what they did have. An amazing show of support, from a multitude of people from the Jeep family, to help the family of one. 

Links Mentioned in this Episode

NEXEN Tires USA https://www.nexentireusa.com/

Trails 411- POWERING Your Adventure https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver

The 4×4 Radio Network http://4x4radionetwork.com/

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