Jeep reveals battery-electric concept

JEEP has shown the world a concept of its first-ever battery-electric model as part of parent company Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan presentation.

Revealed by Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, the fully electric Jeep forms part of what its manufacturer says is a “global initiative towards the full electrification of its SUV portfolio.” The production version is expected to be launched as early as the beginning of next year (2023).

Mr Tavares said the battery-electric Jeep would expand the brand’s reach and play an important part in “taking the next step to the achievement of Jeep’s vision of Zero Emission Freedom”.

The Stellantis Group plans to reach carbon net zero emissions by 2038 and is targeting 100 per cent of all sales in Europe and 50 per cent of all sales in the United States to be fully electric by the end of the decade. The company will release no fewer than 75 battery-electric models by 2030 and says it targets global annual sales of five million BEVs by the end of the decade.

“We are thrilled to present the Jeep brand’s first-ever fully electric SUV and preview the RAM 1500 battery electric pick-up truck, which will arrive in 2024,” Mr Tavares said at the presentation.

“Our journey is fuelled by a focus on innovation and engineering excellent that will put the latest technology into all our vehicles – from the most affordable to the high-performance and luxury (models) – all offered through the extensive product portfolio of our incredible and unique house of brands,” he added.

Stellantis has a presence in over 130 countries globally with manufacturing facilities in 30 countries. Group brands include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Mopar, Opel, Peugeot, RAM and Vauxhall.

In his presentation, Mr Tavares said the group’s premium and luxury brands – including Alfa Romeo, DS, Lancia and Maserati – would begin selling battery electric models by 2025 with a view to becoming fully electric brands by 2027. All premium and luxury brands within the Stellantis groups are set to become fully electric by 2030.

“Dare Forward 2030 inspires us to become so much more than we’ve ever been,” Mr Tavares said.

“We are expanding our vision, breaking the limits and embracing a new mindset, one that seeks to transform all facets of mobility for the betterment of our families, communities and the societies in which we operate.

“Powered by our diversity, Stellantis leads the way the world moves by delivering innovative, clean, safe and affordable mobility solutions,” he concluded.

More information on the Jeep battery electric vehicle will be released over the coming months.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Jeep recently released details and pricing for its new Grand Cherokee. When it arrives mid-year, the large SUV will initially be offered in seven-seater L guise, before five-seater variants and a plug-in hybrid version will join the range in the latter half of 2022.