The first all-electric Jeep may not arrive at US dealerships this fall as planned. According to Jeep’s CEO, Antonio Filosa, the company’s first EV could launch later than expected. As Filosa made clear, “no launch if the quality isn’t perfect.”
Jeep’s first EV could still be delayed in the US
Jeep unveiled its first global electric SUV, the Wagoneer S, in May. Filosa boasted that the Wagoneer S is “distinctively a Jeep and 100% electric in every way. “
You can see that Jeep has not swayed from its roots, with iconic design elements that buyers expect from the rugged SUV maker.
Jeep did infuse modern updates like a redesigned seven-slot grille with ambient cast lightning to distinguish it as an EV. It’s also Jeep’s most aerodynamic SUV yet, with a CD of just 0.29.
On the inside, you will find Jeep’s latest tech and software, including a massive “best-in-class” display with over 45″ of screen space.
Jeep said the Wagoneer S will arrive at dealerships this fall with a starting price of $71,995. However, that may not be the case.
Jeep Wagoneer S (Source: Stellantis)
Filosa said the electric Wagoneer is almost ready, but if its quality is not up to par, it may not launch on time. Speaking with Automotive News, Filosa made clear, “No launch if the quality isn’t perfect.”
As Jeep’s first electric SUV for North America, its most important market, the Wagoneer S, is crucial as it looks to revamp the brand.
Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition Radar Red interior (Source: Jeep)
“I want perfect quality, and I know that we are close, but close is not good enough,” Filosa explained. Jeep’s CEO said quality is more important than timing, suggesting its first EV could still be delayed.
Reversing slumping sales
With sales slipping over the past five years, Jeep’s electric SUV is vital as the brand looks to reverse falling sales.
However, it’s only one part. Following the Wagoneer S, Jeep will introduce its Wrangler-inspired Recon EV.
Jeep Recon EV (Source: Stellantis)
The electric Jeep Recon features Wrangler-like options like removable doors and windows. Jeep also plans to launch a new mainstream crossover and an electric Renegade priced under $25,000.
Other Jeep models due for an electric upgrade include the Gladiator and Grand Cherokee, but these are not expected to enter production until at least 2027.
Jeep plans electric Renegade for under $25,000 (Source: Stellantis)
Although Jeep’s US sales fell another 19% in the second quarter after slipping 9.3% in Q1, the brand remains hopeful for the second half of 2024.
Jeep recently slashed prices on popular models, including the Grand Cherokee and Compass, which is helping clear inventory. According to Filosa, Jeep’s inventory on dealer lots fell by 12% from July 1 to the end of August.
Jeep Recon electric SUV (Source: Stellantis)
After sales spiked 12% in August, Jeep’s market share rose 22%. The Grand Cherokee and Compass models were Jeep’s main growth drivers, with their best retail sales month in nearly two years.
Filosa said further price cuts could be coming for 2025 Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Gladiator models.
Now, a new group of investors from Singapore has stepped in to take over.
The news was shared on Energica’s YouTube channel, and the company confirmed on LinkedIn that “The judicial process undergoing the sale of Energica has received an offer with a significant deposit from investors based in Singapore.” Energica says that the investors, who so far remain unnamed, “are enthusiasts that believe in, and share the common values of Energica.”
While it’s not certain how the buyout and revival will unfold, it appears that Energica is planning on getting the band back together. “If the process comes through successfully,” the company explained, “the same team behind Energica will be entrusted to run the operations, and we will continue creating cutting-edge technologies for our customers.”
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With many of Energica’s impressive electric motorcycles already in circulation from years of sales leading up to the 2024 bankruptcy, the company seems focused on starting by supporting those riders. ” Our first order of business is to support the customers and community. The judicial process will be completed in 60 days, and we will continue to share updates during the time.”
Energica rose to fame by building high-performance electric motorcycles in Modena, Italy, and was one of the early pioneers in the premium electric two-wheeler space. Its lineup includes models like the Experia electric touring bike and the Ego sportbike. The company previously supplied race bikes for the MotoE World Cup until Ducati took over the role in 2023.
After being acquired by US-based Ideanomics in 2021, Energica initially benefited from an injection of capital that helped expand production and dealer networks. But Ideanomics itself has faced serious financial trouble, becoming unable to invest in the future of Energica.
Energica’s future prospects seemed dim at the time of its insolvency in 2024, but the uncertainty appears to be clearing with the hope that new owners can breathe fresh life into the company.
Even so, Energica’s core competency is building the fastest, most powerful, and longest range production electric motorcycles the world has ever seen, and that’s not exactly an inexpensive enterprise. Combined with current market trends that favor smaller, lighter, and less expensive commuter-spec electric motorcycles, it begs the question of whether or not a newly revived Energica will find a receptive market, or whether the company will be forced to expand the scope of its products to match better the type of electric motorcycles that are selling today.
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Chinese carmaker XPeng is getting perilously close to bringing its AeroHT consumer eVTOL concept to market, thanks to a $250 million Series B round that’s set to accelerate the company’s modular “flying car” production plans.
XPeng subsidiary AeroHT had its first successful proof of concept test flight ahead of the brand’s annual 1024 back in 2023, where the company unveiled a pair of flying car designs. The X3 is an actual flying “car” that can drive, park, and take off on its own, and a second, modular eVTOL that folds up into the back of an electric van called the Land Aircraft Carrier.
That vehicle pair, shown at CES in January, was set to begin production this year, with the eVTOL component set to begin production in 2026 – and that’s looking a lot more likely thanks to the new infusion of capital!
AeroHT at CES 2025
Xpeng Aeroht raised $150 million in Series B1 funding last August, before launching its Series B2 funding round. The most recent announcement that the company has secured an additional $100 million in its Series B2 funding round brings the total amount raised to more than $750 million, with a $1B pre-revenue valuation.
Scooter Doll said it best, writing, “this footage (of the AeroHT test flight) is as scary and concerning as it is exciting and awe-inspiring.” Which is to say that these things are real, they seem like they’re getting built, and they seem like they’ll sell well enough to convince at least one or two remaining boomers that the flying car they’ve been promised their whole lives is – finally! – coming to market.
Here’s hoping.
SOURCE: Xpeng, via CNEVPost; gallery photos by the author.
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Flooring manufacturer Beauflor USA just turned on the biggest rooftop solar system by capacity in metro Atlanta — and it’s now powering part of its Georgia factory.
The new 1,040 kW system in Cartersville officially beats metro Atlanta’s previous rooftop solar record of 1,034 kW. The new array produces enough energy to power more than 100 homes. The system is expected to cover about 10% of Beauflor’s electricity needs and cut its carbon emissions by about 920 metric tons annually.
“This solar installation represents our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices while making sound business decisions,” said Emile Coopman, continuous improvement manager at Beauflor. He added that the system is designed with room to grow: “This is the first step toward more renewable energy.”
The company partnered with Cherry Street Energy to install the nearly 2,000-panel system, which was completed in less than four months. Cherry Street invested $1.8 million into the project and is covering all construction and maintenance costs through a 30-year energy procurement agreement. Beauflor will buy solar power directly from Cherry Street, allowing it to avoid upfront capital costs while still lowering its energy bills.
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“As Georgia’s manufacturers ramp up production amid rising costs for grid energy, sophisticated operators seek ways to quickly and sustainably address their energy needs,” said Cherry Street CEO Michael Chanin. “On-site solar with no capital expense delivers just that: reliable, affordable electricity.”
Chanin added that the system’s power output is especially impressive: “The previous record-holder for metro Atlanta’s largest rooftop solar required over 4,000 panels. We’re using less than 2,000 to reliably generate even more power.”
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