The first 100% electric Jeep in the US is finally arriving at showrooms. With the first customer deliveries just around the corner, Jeep confirmed a new Wagoneer S trim will join the lineup in February. Here’s what we know so far.

Meet Jeep’s electric SUV

The Wagoneer S “marks a new chapter in the storied history of Jeep brand,” CEO Antonio Filosa said after unveiling the electric SUV last May.

Jeep launched the Wagoneer S Launch Edition model last year, starting at $71,995. It also teased an off-road “Trailhawk” concept, which is expected to be the newest model in the lineup.

On Friday, Jeep maker Stellantis announced that it will introduce a new Wagoneer S trim at the Chicago Auto Show starting February 8.

Although it’s still clearly a Jeep with the SUV maker’s signature design, the Wagoneer S launch edition gains a new style to distinguish it as electric. One of the most noticeable is the redesigned seven-slot grille, now with ambient cast lighting.

The grille is now closed without the need to cool a massive engine, giving the SUV a sportier, more aerodynamic look. The Launch Edition model also has exclusive dark accent elements like 20″ Gloss Black wheels, trim, and more.

Inside, the electric SUV builds on the most recent Jeep Grand Wagoneer design. It features a “best-in-class” infotainment with 45″ of screen space, including a driver display, navigation, and interactive passenger screen.

The Launch Edition model includes a wine-red-stiched steering wheel, customizable LED lighting, and a 19″ speaker premium McIntosh audio system.

Is Jeep launching the Wagoneer S Trailhawk trim?

According to Filosa, the Trailhawk EV concept “showcases what the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S lineup is truly capable of, whether cornering tight turns with ease or traversing new ground off the beaten path.”

The Trailhawk model is loaded with rugged upgrades like 31.5″ all-terrain tires, four-wheel-drive, and a lifted suspension for a “go-anywhere, do-anything SUV.” Other added elements like heavy-duty tow hooks and air extractors and function and add to the rugged look.

Jeep claims the rugged electric SUV is the perfect combination of off-road capability, high-speed performance, and an authentic representation of the brand inside and out.

Its distinctive front-end design “tells the tale of an SUV that is designed to drive and thrive on dusty trails and rocky terrain.”

Like the Launch Edition model, the Trailhawk edition features a new illuminated seven-slot grille but with a more rugged look and Storm Gray metallic accents. Other design elements include an anti-glare hood decal, flush badging inspired by modern aircraft, and a laser-cut aluminum roof rack. It even includes a dual-pane panoramic sunroof for that open-air feel.

The interior is “upfitted for adventure” with a redesigned octagonal steering wheel design for more control, a functional cross-car grab bar, “aggressive” front seats, and a new modular cargo management system.

Although range and prices were not revealed for the Trailhawk model, it will be similar to the Launch Edition trim Powered by the STLA Large platform, the Wagoneer S Launch Edition provides over 300 miles range with fast charging (20% to 80%) in as little as 23 minutes.

What do you think of Jeep’s Trailhawk model? Given that this is the only trim Jeep has previewed, it’s likely the trim that will be introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. Check back for more updates closer to the event.

Elon Musk says that Tesla aims to build 10,000 Optimus robots this year, but he admits that it is an ambitious goal.

With Tesla’s automotive business being down last year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk turned again to humanoid robots to stoke positivity amongst investors.

During the conference call following the release of its Q4 2024 earnings, Musk claimed that Tesla is aiming to build 10,000 Optimus robots in 2025:

 The normal internal plan calls for roughly 10,000 Optimus robots to be built this year.

However, he highlighted that it is an internal goal and it’s more likely that Tesla will end up building a few thousand units. But he also says that those units would be performing useful work at Tesla:

“Will we succeed in building 10,000 exactly by the end of December this year? Probably not, but will we succeed in making several thousand? Yes, I think we will. Will those several thousand Optimus robots be doing useful things by the end of the year? Yes, I’m confident they will do useful things.”

Tesla already announced that it has a few Optimus prototypes working at its factory, but we haven’t seen significant evidence of that.

For the most part, Tesla has only demoed robots being teleoperated by humans.

Musk then made some even wilder comments about Optimus, claiming that “it won’t be long before Tesla is making 100 million of these things a year.”

He claimed that he believes the Optimus program will eventually account for the vast majority of Tesla’s revenues.

The CEO added that Tesla is currently designing a production live for 1,000 units a month. The next line will be capable of 10,000 units a month. Tesla is working on a version 2 of Optimus that Musk claims will be produced at a rate of 100,000 units per month and it will launch next year.

Speaking of next year, Musk said that it is when Tesla plans to start selling the robot to third-parties rather than only using them itself.

In terms of pricing, the CEO said he sees the robot selling for less than $20,000 once it is produced at a rate of 1 million units per year.

Electrek’s Take

I’m actually bullish on Optimus and humanoid robots in general. We have the robotics technology to make useful robots, and AI is advancing fast enough that it makes sense to deploy it in humanoid form that can take over human tasks rather than specialized robots that require changes in the working environment.

The humanoid form lets you lower deployment costs, as you don’t need to change anything else.

I do see Tesla having several expertise, giving it advantages in developing humanoid robots, but I’m not willing to say that it will be the most impactful company in space. There are already several competitors.

I think it’s safe to cut all the numbers Elon shared in half and pushed the timeline a few years back.

This electric crossover isn’t just for show. It’s fitted for the race track. Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E EV prototype is upgraded with three electric motors and borrows parts from its current NASCAR Cup Series. Check out the new EV below.

Meet Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E NASCAR EV prototype

The Mustang Mach-E NASCAR prototype was unveiled Thursday night during the Ford Performance Season launch.

Ford’s 100% electric racer pulls components from the current NASCAR Cup Series, including a fine-tuned suspension, brakes, steering, and wheels.

The Mustang Mach-E prototype is powered by three electric motors housed in a carbon fiber tub and a 78 kWh battery. Although Ford was light on details, other EV demonstrators, like the SuperVan 4.2, pack 1,400 hp, so you can expect the Mach-E to be in the same ballpark if not more.

Ford’s new Mach-E NASCAR model is the company’s latest EV demonstrator, following the F-150 Lightning-based SuperTruck, SuperVan 4.2, Super Cobra Jet 1800, and others.

Ford Performance will compete with an electric demonstrator at Pikes Peak for the third year. Romain Dumas will drive the Mach-E after setting a new class record in Ford’s SuperVan in 2023.

Last year, he won his fifth King of the Mountain crown. Dumas clinched the win driving the electric F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, his second year winning a title in a Ford Performance EV.

Dumas holds the title for the fastest time up the hill, at 7:57.148, set in 2018 while driving a Volkswagen ID.R. Can Dumas, Driving the upgraded Mach-E, set a new record? Ford is banking on it.

The 103rd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place on June 22, 2025. Stay tuned for more information on the new Mustang Mach-E NASCAR EV demonstrator as it gets closer to the event.

Source: Ford Performance