Jeep Wagoneer S: a Concept-Building, High Performance, Low-Energy, Off-Rad, Energy-Efficient, Powerful, and Off Road Vehicle
The project is still at an early stage. While announcing the Wagoneer S, Filosa said the Wrangler-esque Jeep Recon would be revealed later this year. Filosa wouldn’t say which of the unnamed cars would be announced the next year, but it could be either a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric vehicle. “It will be affordable,” Filosa said, calling it “a smaller Jeep,” but likely not the $25,000 model referenced by Tavares.
The only trim announced today was the Launch Edition, which goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $71,995. More affordable versions will be announced later.
But Jeep is one of the most iconic auto brands in the US. Its hybrid models are very popular. So people are going to be at least curious about the first battery-electric model.
But unlike other STLA Large platform vehicles with 800-volt architectures, the Wagoneer S will only have a 400-volt architecture, which, theoretically, could mean slightly slower DC fast charging. Jeep says it will charge 20 to 80 percent in just 23 minutes.
The Jeep Wagoneer S’s 3-in-1 EDMs combine the electric motor, gearing and power electronics into a single, compact unit that is both powerful and efficient. The front EDM is equipped with wheel disconnects to reduce energy draw when cruising and to help optimize range.
The ride was made smooth and quiet with a 35 percent improvement over other Jeeps. The vehicle’s aerodynamics are also optimized — which is typical of an EV — with a drag coefficient of 0.29. And there is some indication of off-road capabilities, with five distinct drive modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow, and Sand. (I’m told that Jeep recommends you select Sand when driving in deep snow and Snow when looking to avoid slippage. Makes sense!)
Jeep is betting big on interior screen real estate. A segment just for passengers is the first for Jeep and is on a massive display in the dash. The 10.25-inch passenger display also runs on Stellantis’ Uconnect operating system and can “talk” with the main display, so passengers can share driving directions and other information.
Jeep’s approach is interesting, to say the least. Picking a fight in a drag race with a model that sells for less is not likely to be a good idea. More people know about the leader in the EV race than a better equivalent, like Rivian.
Filosa said that his boss would say soon. We need to put people in charge of developing the car, because of its engineering challenge. We have good ideas, we already had our calculation, and we strongly believe that we can get there. Strongly believe.”
Ford, Volkswagen, and Kia have all said they plan on producing smaller, more affordable EVs in the hopes of stirring up more demand among price-conscious shoppers. GM is relaunching its affordable Bolt EV on a new platform, while Nissan hasn’t said what the future holds for its pioneering Leaf hatchback.
“I worry because the level of cost that they need is 20–25 percent lower than our costs,” Filosa said of BYD and other Chinese automakers. “Obviously, I’m talking of challenges coming, and it will challenge us to get better.”
Still, Filosa says Jeep will rise to the challenge. How long will it take? Timing is of the essence. EV sales are increasing but at a slower rate than in the past. People who buy are more picky. They’re looking for vehicles that are fast charging with plenty of range but also priced in a way that’s affordable. Most experts have said a $25,000 EV could help that line graph turn from a gentle slope into a hockey stick. It’s not clear if Tavares knows for certain the exact timetables.
It may also be a little awkward. After all, the Wagoneer S, with its premium materials, high-tech components, and impressive performance capabilities, is very much not an affordable EV. The fully loaded First Launch edition will start at $71,995 — not exactly a price meant to spur mass adoption.
