Jeep says not yet to an electric Wrangler, but another EV is coming

The iconic Jeep Wrangler may not get an all-electric version anytime soon, but the rugged SUV brand is planning to launch a new off-road EV. Inspired by the Wrangler, Jeep’s new off-road EV is designed for adventurers as a fully capable electric SUV.

Although the Wrangler is almost synonymous with the Jeep brand, it will not go all-electric, at least for some time.

“Well, we can’t forget what Jeep is. The Wrangler is what brought us to the table over 80 years ago, some derivative of that,” Bill Peffer, head of Jeep Brand North America, told The Drive. Jeep looks to “protect that,” according to Peffer.

Jeep’s brand leader added that by keeping the Wrangler’s DNA, “That’s protecting our core.” He added that there are “Lots of very loyal followers [that drive] the Wrangler.”

Despite this, electrification has actually helped the brand. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid SUV is “the number one PHEV in the market,” Peffer said.

Jeep has teased an electric Wrangler before, even building concepts like the 650 hp Magneto 3.0 last year.

When will Jeep launch an electric Wrangler EV?

While Jeep has shown it can build an all-electric Wrangler true to its rugged roots, the brand doesn’t plan to sell one, at least for some time.

In the meantime, after launching its first global electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S, last week, Jeep is planning a more rugged EV model.

Jeep revealed the all-electric Recon last year as part of its global EV offensive. The Recon is “inspired by the spirit of the legendary Wangler” with the best of its 4×4 models, only with zero emissions.

According to former Jeep brand leader Jim Morrison, “The all-new, all-electric Jeep Recon has the capability to cross the mighty Rubicon Trail,” one of the most extreme off-road trails in the US.

Not only that, but Morrison said it can “Reach the end of the trail with enough range to drive back to town and recharge.”

Can Jeep’s Recon live up to the Wrangler?

It will include Wrangler-like features, including removable doors and windows. The Jeep Recon will also include Jeep’s signature Selec-Terrain traction management system, off-road tires, tow hooks, and travel guides.

We got an early glimpse of what the Jeep Recon Moab EV will look like after images leaked out of a dealer event last year.

From the first look, the Recon’s design appears more similar to a Renegade than a Wrangler model. However, that was over a year ago.

Jeep’s Recon will be based on the STLA Large platform, the same one underpinning the Wagoneer S.

The platform offers 85 to 118 kWh battery pack options with up to 500 mi (800 km) range. That’s for sedans, however, as the Wagoneer S offers “over 300 miles” range. Meanwhile, it does pack 600 hp.

According to Stellantis UAW agreements from November, Jeep is expected to launch an all-electric Wrangler. However, that won’t be until at least 2028.

Electrek’s Take

Despite Peffer suggesting Jeep drivers are not ready for an electric Wrangler, off-road EVs are in high demand.

Although a luxury vehicle, Rivian’s R1S is built for exploring “city streets to far-off trails.” Rivian’s R1S can plow through 3+ ft of water with the ability to drive up to 400 miles on a single charge. It can also accelerate like a sports car with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3 seconds.

With 14.9″ of ground clearance, the Rivian R1S tops the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4×4 (12.9″). Maybe that’s why it was the fourth best-selling EV in the US in Q1.

Rivian unveiled its smaller, more affordable R2 EV in March. In under 24 hours, the Rivian R2 had over 68,000 reservations. Rivian also revealed a tri-motor R3X electric crossover, which could rival the Jeep brand.

What do you guys think? Would you buy an electric Jeep Wrangler? Let us know in the comments.