The upcoming Jeep Avenger small SUV, Recon mid-size SUV, and Wagoneer S luxury SUV are on track for Australia with electric-only power.
US car giant Jeep plans to introduce three new electric vehicles in Australia within the next few years – the Jeep Avenger, Jeep Recon, and Jeep Wagoneer S – but the off-road specialist will continue to offer petrol and diesel vehicles in the local market indefinitely.
While Jeep has forecast a move to 100 per cent electric power in Europe by 2030 – and 50 per cent of the sales mix in the US by the same deadline – it expects the roll-out of battery-powered vehicles to take a little longer in Australia.
The global boss of Jeep, Christian Meunier, told Australian media in Detroit the Jeep Recon mid-size SUV and Jeep Wagoneer S coupe-like SUV had been “secured” for Australia, while the Jeep Avenger city SUV is expected to be a formality given it will be factory-built in right-hand-drive and is already locked in for the UK.
“The Avenger is going to go to the UK, it’s going to go to Japan, and we’re looking at maybe Australia if there is a market for it. Right now it’s still not decided,” said Mr Meunier.
“Recon is confirmed for Australia and I think it’s going to be a great product for Australia. The Wagoneer S (is) secured for Australia as well.”
Jeep is also expected to unveil an electric version of the Cherokee in the next 12 months, which is also planned for right-hand-drive.
“Obviously Australia was very much behind two, three years ago about electrification, it was not even a question,” said Mr Meunier.
“When I talked to the (Australian) team it was … ‘ah electrification, not really interested.’ And I kept questioning, questioning, questioning and look at what happened in the meantime.
“Obviously New Zealand is going 100 per cent full speed ahead (with electric power). And Australia is catching up. Australia is going to get there.”
Little information is available on the future Jeep electric models, other than the Avenger is effectively a high-riding hatchback designed for city use, the Recon will have genuine off-road ability and removable panels, and the Wagoneer S will have a performance edge.
Jeep has previously announced the Wagoneer S will be offered exclusively as an electric vehicle, targeting a range of 400 miles (643km) on a single charge, 600 horsepower (447kW) and a 0-60mph (97km/h) time of about 3.5 seconds.
The post Jeep to roll-out three new electric vehicles in Australia appeared first on Drive.