Jeep’s new inbound all-electric Recon off-roader could be ready to enter production by February, according to a recent report. MoparInsiders, reports that Stellantis bumped up the Recon EV’s production start date, ahead of schedule. Although not officially affiliated with any Stellantis or Mopar brands, the website supposedly received a tip from a source within Stellantis’ Tolua Assembly Plant in Mexico, where Jeep produces the Compass, and will produce the incoming Wagoneer S.
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since September 2022, when Jeep revealed several digital renderings. Described as a D-Segment SUV, supposedly taking inspiration from the Wrangler and the XJ generation Cherokee from 1984-2001, it will be the automaker’s first-ever all-electric off-roader. Today, the Wrangler is only sold with the choice of conventional internal combustion power or gas-electric hybrid, the latter known as the 4xe.
The World’s First All-Electric Wrangler…Sort Of…
The new Recon was pitched and is expected to basically be an all-electric version of the Wrangler. Internally dubbed the “EJ,” the new model also utilizes a trim package name once used by the Wrangler itself. Although details have remained sparse since Jeep’s announcement, speculation indicated a dual Stellantis Electric Drive Modules to provide four-wheel drive with an output ranging from 450 to 650 horsepower. Those rumors are apparently holding true.
However, unlike the Wrangler, which uses a rugged body-on-frame chassis, the Recon is expected to use the latest STLA Large unibody-based platform, complete with fully independent suspension front and rear. That means it’ll compete more directly with the Ford Bronco Sport, rather than the regular Bronco. It’ll also be the first dedicated off-roader to use STLA Large.
Despite not using a ladder frame, Jeep will include all the usual off-road-biased kit that designates its four-by-fours “Trail-Rated.” This includes electronic locking differentials, underbody skidplate protection, integrated tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The Recon is even expected to have removable doors and a power-retractable roof.
The Recon Will Be Sold In Trim Levels Similar To Wrangler
Because the Wrangler is said to be a main source of inspiration for the Recon, the EV is anticipated to come with similar trim levels and packaging. According to MoparInsiders, the range includes three trim levels at launch, beginning with the base Willys model, a mid-range Overland, and a more rugged Moab version at the top.
Some rumors indicated that the Moab could boast more ground clearance and heavier-duty off-roading gear than the Willys or Overland. It’ll also be the model to include underbody protection, skidplates, and all-terrain tires as standard.
There May Also Be A Hybrid Version In The Works
Since Jeep’s been developing the Recon for the past three years, rumors surfaced suggesting the Recon may also come in a gas-electric hybrid variant. This was an apparent mid-development change after the electric vehicle market clearly proved to not be as strong as automakers anticipated. To compensate, Jeep’s CEO, Antonio Filosa, hinted at a hybrid version of the Recon to reporters back in May of 2024. Filosa stated that electrification is the ultimatum, but his team is also exploring other options for customers.
These “other options” corroborate Stellantis’ recent strategic adjustment to provide customers with the “Freedom of Choice.” Rather than forcing buyers into one type of propulsion, in this case, EVs, the company seeks to offer three variants of the same model: ICE, hybrid, and EV, allowing buyers to choose the type of propulsion that’s right for them. Nothing’s confirmed regarding the hybrid Recon. But there’s also a chance it may actually end up as an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV. After exclusively speaking with the Head of Jeep’s Brand North America, Bob Broderdorf, he told us to expect more extended-range tech in Jeep’s future EVs at the LA Auto Show in November 2024.
EREVs essentially retain all of their electric vehicle propulsion systems, but would come with an on-board ICE-powered auxiliary power unit or APU. That APU would help charge the EV system’s battery on the fly and provide extra range in a pinch. And should charging still be a challenge, such as out on the trails, drivers can just fill up the APU’s gas tank for the aux power unit, like a conventional ICE car, to get to where they need to go.
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