In a recently published document, Jeep's parent company, Stellantis, and the United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) gave the world a peek into what's coming for some of the company's American-made cars, like the Wrangler.
At present, the Jeep Wrangler lineup includes a plug-in hybrid called the 4xe. As for the upcoming model, it will get plug-in hybrid systems in 2025, however, will be phased out gradually in 2028, the document revealed.
Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler: Expected to Bring Two Powertrains
Codenamed J70, the new Jeep Wrangler, set to start production in 2028, will have two engine choices – an electric one (BEV) and another with extended range. This marks a significant change for the American off-road vehicle, the most notable since it first went global in the 1980s.
BEV stands for battery electric vehicle, whereas REPB (Range Electric Paradigm Breaker) is the pompous way of saying that a combustion engine will be used as a generator. The REPB powertrain will debut in the Ram 1500 (a pickup truck based on the STLA Frame platform) shortly, which is also expected to underpin the new Wrangler EV.
Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler: Power of its STLA Platform
Part of a new family of EV architectures being applied to all Stellantis products from next year, this body-on-frame platform will major in payload and towing capabilities. For instance, its 1500 REV claims a 1,224kg payload and a 6,350kg towing capacity. The STLA Frame can also accommodate vast batteries to cope with the traditionally high mileage and heavy workloads of commercial vehicles.
Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler: Battery Details
The 1500 REV will be offered with two long-range electric powertrains, with 168kWh and 229kWh batteries delivering about 560km and 800km between charges.
Jeep has also hinted at what to expect from an electric Wrangler several times, most recently with the Magneto 3.0 concept, which is a Wrangler-based off-roader. It has the capability to deliver 647 bhp of power and 1220 Nm from a bespoke axial-flux motor, mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler: What More to Expect?
Before the electric Wrangler hits the scene, Jeep is also gearing up to introduce an electric off-roader called the Recon SUV. Revealed a year ago, Jeep now confirms that the Recon will run on Stellantis' special STLA Large electric platform. This rugged vehicle will feature Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management, under-body protection, an e-locker axle, sturdy off-road tires, and tow hooks. Besides, it will have removable doors and a power top, providing a wide opening for a partly open-air driving experience.
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