A $25,000 Electric Jeep Could Be Just What America Needs

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has confirmed that Jeep will introduce a $25,000 electric vehicle in the United States “very soon,” reports CNBC. The chief executive hasn’t shared much regarding the new electric vehicle but notes it will be priced similarly to the Citroën e-C3 SUV, an entry-level EV with a starting price of €23,300 ($25,200).

Speaking at a Bernstein investor conference, Tavares said, “In the same way we brought the €20,000 Citroën e-C3, you will have a $25,000 Jeep very soon. We are using the same expertise because we are a global company and this is totally fluid across the engineering world of Stellantis.” Jeep North America has no electric vehicles in its lineup, but it will soon introduce the luxurious Wagoneer S and the Recon, an all-electric alternative to the Wrangler.

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Hybrid

Base MSRP

$50,695

Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Horsepower

375 hp

Base Trim Torque

470 lb-ft

Towing Capacity

3,500 lbs

Fuel Economy

20 MPG combined

Curb Weight

5,049 lbs

An Affordable Electric Vehicle Is Needed In The US

In the meantime, Jeep customers seeking an electrified alternative have only the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids to choose from, with a Gladiator 4xe on the way. In Europe, buyers have the option of the all-electric Avenger, which has a starting price of €38,000 ($41,100) – too expensive for many car buyers. A $25,000 model would bring an electric vehicle within reach of millions.

Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.

It’s worth noting that Jeep has recently introduced a hybrid and 4xe variant of the Avenger to cater to those who aren’t quite ready for EVs. Launching affordable battery-electric cars isn’t easy, as automakers still haven’t reached cost parity between EVs and ICE vehicles. However, Tavares is convinced it will happen in the next three months, allowing automakers to battle the scourge of cheap Chinese alternatives that are flooding the market.

Tariffs Won’t Stop Chinese Automakers From Infiltrating The American Market

“It’s a very challenging period, very chaotic, very Darwinian. We are in the storm, and this storm is going to last a few years,” said Tavares, referencing the challenging EV transition period. The CEO also had some interesting things to say regarding the Biden Administration’s 102% tariff on Chinese-built EVs. Tavares is convinced that while this may delay Chinese brands infiltrating the market, it won’t stop them completely.

Related

Jeep Wagoneer S Goes Up Against Tesla Model Y In New Teaser Video

Jeep is showing off the performance of its new electric vehicle ahead of its big reveal next week.

“Yes, time helps, but you cannot stop the competition. Putting you behind a protectionist bubble is not going to help you to be competitive… if your strategy is to shrink and stay inside the bubble, it will buy you time, but certainly it will cut your future.” While the Chinese appear to have no interest in the American market, Mexico looks very appealing to automakers such as BYD, which will build the new Shark PHEV pickup in Mexico.

What Could The Small Jeep EV Be?

Getting back to Jeep, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Toledo-based brand taps into the Stellantis network and leverages technology and components to develop its affordable electric vehicle. This will make it cheaper to build and more attainable for consumers. Perhaps we may see a rebadged e-C3 with Jeep styling, although we can’t imagine US customers being enthused with 111 horsepower, a WLTP-estimated range of 199 miles, and a 0-62 mph time of 11 seconds.

Source: CNBC