Iconic American carmaker officially enters the EV battle
Formed in 1941 to supply vehicles to the American army, Jeep is renowned for its rugged off-road vehicles that guzzle gas.
But that is changing, or at least the last bit - as the automaker announces its first fully electric vehicle for the US market.
It doesn't come cheap. The Wagoneer S will start from $72,000 for the 'launch edition', with cheaper and more expensive models coming in the future.
The Wagoneer S has two electric motors that produce 600 horsepower, and it goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. It goes more than 300 miles on a single charge.
While Jeep has already introduced the compact Avenger EV in Europe, the Wagnoneer S marks its entry into the US and Canada.
The Wagoneer S will start from $72,000, and goes 300 miles on a charge. It designed for off-road like most of Jeep's models
It is the first fully electric Jeep for the US market
Even though off-road capability is in Jeep's DNA, there was no talk of that at the launch.
But Stellantis, Jeep's owners, did reveal a concept called the Wagoneer S Trailhawk that has big, off-road wheels and a raised suspension.
Since it is not needed to cool a combustion engine, Jeep's trademark seven-slot grille instead lights up at night to illuminate the areas around the SUV.
The Wagnoneer S - which has a sleeker, more aerodynamic design that the previous gas versions - is designed to gauge consumer interest in a fully electric Jeep model.
Stellantis - which also owns Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and European brand Citroen and Peugeot - is keen to roll out EVs, alongside gas and hyybrid models.
Jeep's new model comes amid waning interest and enthusiasm for EVs, even as President Joe Biden pushes for gas cars to be banned.
'The launch of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Jeep brand,' said Antonio Filosa, Jeep brand CEO.
A traditional off-road Jeep - the Wrangler
'Building upon nearly a century of innovation and design, this first global EV will introduce a whole new generation of owners to an experience that is distinctly Jeep and 100% electric in every way.'
In response to environmental concerns, the Wagnoneer S ditches wood, leather, and chrome. It is Jeep's first not to use Chrome. Synthetic materials will be used for the interior that feel like leather.
