The CEO says that it’s possible to have an electric Jeep

The Jeep Wagoneer S: A High Performance, Low Energy, Energy Efficient Battery-Electric Semi-Autonomous System for Passenger Communication

The look of the Wagoneer S is certainly unique. The seven-pillar lights in the grille are going to be controversial, but they are a conversation starter. And the cantilevered rear spoiler, while not Cybertruck-level weird, still takes some getting used to. There are some Jeep fans on various message boards.

The only trim announced today was the Launch Edition, which goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $71,995. Other trims, including 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.

The Wagoneer S has a 400-volt architecture, which might mean slower DC fast charging, but unlike other large platform vehicles it only has 800-volt architectures. But Jeep insists it will still be relatively quick, to the tune of charging 20 to 80 percent in 23 minutes.

The electric motor, gear and power electronics of the Jeep Wagoneer S are combined into a single, compact unit that is both powerful and efficient. The front car is fitted with wheelDisconnects to help reduce energy draw and also to help the driver maximize range.

Jeep engineers made a 35 percent improvement in body rigidity to make the ride more smooth and silent. The vehicle’s aerodynamics are also optimized — which is typical of an EV — with a drag coefficient of 0.29. There is an indication of off-road capabilities, with five different drive modes. Jeep recommends you select Sand if you are going to drive in deep snow to avoid slippage. Makes sense!)

Jeep wants to invest big in interior screen real estate. A massive 45-inch glass display stretches the width of the dash, including a segment just for passengers — a first for Jeep. 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 with a Tesla Model Y in a drag race, when the Tesla sells for $20,000 less, may strike some as a mismatched fight. Rivian would be better because more people know thatTesla is the leader in the EV race.

Filosa said his boss would say soon. We need to put people in charge of developing the car because of the engineering challenge. We have good ideas, we already had our calculation, and we strongly believe that we can get there. Strongly believe.”

The $25,000 EV has been somewhat elusive for the broader industry. Tesla reportedly canceled its plans for a more affordable “Model 2” vehicle at the behest of Elon Musk, who is in the process of shifting the company’s resources toward building a fully autonomous robotaxi. (Musk later recommitted to building “affordable” models while studiously avoiding referencing the $25,000 price point.)

Meanwhile, the specter of dirt-cheap Chinese EVs flooding the market has many automakers nervous — Filosa included. Companies like BYD, Li Auto, and Nio have been exporting plug-in vehicles with aggressive pricing to Africa, South America, and Europe. It may be that the tariffs will stop them from coming to the US, but that wouldn’t be a problem.

Still, Filosa says Jeep will rise to the challenge. But how long will it take? Timing is of the essence. EV sales are still growing but at a slower rate than in the past. People are more aware of their purchases. They are looking for vehicles that are both fast charging and affordable. Most experts have said a $25,000 EV could help that line graph turn from a gentle slope into a hockey stick. But when it comes to exact timetables, only Tavares seems to know for now.

It was unexpected and maybe also 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 price of the First Launch edition is not intended to be used to promote mass adoption.