Automotive News talked to Jeep’s CEO, who said that the company is considering releasing gas-powered Wagoneer S and Recon models. The two EVs will be built on the STLA Large base, which can also work with hybrid and gas-only engines. Jeep plans to replace the Cherokee by the end of 2025 since it will no longer be made after the 2023 model year. The Wagoneer S, Jeep’s first electric car, will go on sale this fall. The American SUV maker revealed more information about the futuristic vehicle earlier this year. It has an all-wheel-drive system with 600 horsepower. It was first seen with the boxy, off-road-focused EV called the Recon, which is also set to come out in 2019. Automotive News says that the two electric Jeeps could get internal combustion engines, though. Antonio Filosa, the CEO of Jeep, recently talked to the magazine about how sales at the company are going down. According to Filosa, adding gas-powered versions of the Wagoneer S and Recon to Jeep’s list of possible options could help boost sales. It is Filosa’s company’s goal to make money from any opportunity that comes up with internal combustion engines in any car. “We need to grab them, or somebody else will,” he said. The new STLA Large platform will be used to build the Recon and Wagoneer S. This platform can work with gas, electric, and hybrid powertrains. Stellantis, Jeep’s parent business, wants to wait to fully commit to the EV market because sales of EVs are slowing down. The next-generation Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio will likely come in both gas and electric versions. They will share the same base. The 2025 Dodge Charger will come with both an electric motor and an inline-six engine. Stellantis sells subcompact crossovers in Europe, such as the Fiat 600e, the Jeep Avenger, and the Alfa Romeo Junior. All of these cars can be equipped with either an electric or hybrid engine. Filosa is especially worried about the mid-size SUV market. Jeep stopped making the Cherokee (which we consider a tiny SUV) last year after ten years of selling it. Although Filosa said that the initial plan is “to launch the products into the mid-size SUV segment,” Automotive News says that a Cherokee-sized car could be added to the lineup by the end of 2025. Jeep also stopped making the small Renegade after the 2023 model year. However, the equally priced Compass has replaced the Renegade as the entry-level crossover, which has led to more sales.
