Jeep, the American automaker famed for its robust, gas-guzzling off-road vehicles since its inception in 1941, is taking a significant turn in its production line.
According to the Daily Mail, the company has announced the launch of its first fully electric vehicle for the U.S. market, marking a departure from its traditional gas-powered models.
The new vehicle, dubbed the Wagoneer S, is a high-end model with a starting price of $72,000 for the 'launch edition'. Future models, both cheaper and more expensive, are expected to follow. The Wagoneer S is equipped with two electric motors that generate 600 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. On a single charge, the vehicle can cover over 300 miles.
While Jeep has previously introduced the compact Avenger EV in Europe, the Wagoneer S signifies its entry into the electric vehicle market in the U.S. and Canada. Interestingly, despite Jeep's reputation for off-road capabilities, there was no mention of this feature at the launch. However, Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, did unveil a concept called the Wagoneer S Trailhawk, which boasts large off-road wheels and a raised suspension.
The Wagoneer S, sporting a sleeker, more aerodynamic design than its gas-powered predecessors, is aimed at assessing consumer interest in a fully electric Jeep model. Stellantis, which also owns Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, and European brands Citroen and Peugeot, is eager to expand its electric vehicle offerings, alongside its traditional gas and hybrid models.
This move comes amidst a declining interest in electric vehicles, even as President Joe Biden advocates for a ban on gas cars. "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. "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 a nod to environmental concerns, the Wagoneer S has abandoned the use of wood, leather, and chrome, making it Jeep's first model not to use chrome. Instead, synthetic materials that mimic the feel of leather will be used for the interior, reflecting Jeep's commitment to sustainable practices in its new era of electric vehicles.
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