Jeep has been on the water with a number of electric Wrangler concepts over the years, and now it looks like the green light has been given for production.
According to a UAW document outlining the union’s most recent agreement with Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, the next Wrangler, the J70 series, will be built as a production plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle.
Production is expected to begin in 2028 at Wrangler’s existing plant in Toledo, Ohio, with a $1. 5 billion investment at the site. Two powertrain configurations are planned: one will be a popular battery-electric powertrain and the other will be a series plug-in hybrid. , in which a smaller battery is supplemented by a gas engine that serves solely as a generator.
The strategy is similar to the one contracted through Stellantis’ Ram brand, whose until 2025 the 1500 will offer plug-in hybrid features of the electric 1500 REV and 1500 Ramcharger series. Most likely, other Stellantis brands will also use this strategy. .
Jeep Gladiator 2024
The same document mentions that the existing Wrangler and its Gladiator counterpart will continue production until 2028, and that the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid will be updated in 2025 and joined at the same time via a Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid.
There’s no mention of a Gladiator beyond 2028, suggesting the vehicle could simply be discontinued after the existing generation. The move would lose room in Stellantis’ lineup for a midsize Ram pickup truck, which the UAW document showed for a 2027 production start at Stellantis’ idle plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Although discussed in the document, the midsize Ram pickup appears to be an electric pickup truck.
Jeep has released 3 electric Wrangler concepts in recent years. Known as the Wrangler Magneto series, all concepts were on the body-on-chassis platform of the existing Wrangler. Chances are, any electric Wrangler will adopt one of Stellantis’ 4. committed EV platforms, one of which is a body-on-chassis design.
Before an electric Wrangler arrives, Jeep will launch an electric SUV in the shape of the Recon SUV. First unveiled a year ago, Jeep has shown that the Recon will use Stellantis’ committed STLA Large EV platform form. The vehicle will also be supplied with a Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system, an electronically locking axle, underbody protection, tow hooks and giant off-road tires. It will also have detachable doors and a more sensitive force switch with a giant opening for a semi-open experience.