Jeep’s first EV for the US could be delayed if it’s not ‘perfect quality’
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes Tern’s NYC e-bike delivery fleet surpasses 1 million miles, the CPSC has a stark warning about Rad’s e-bike batteries, what parents should know if their kid wants a Sur Ron e-moto, JackRabbit MG Doble review, Strutt’s EV1 electric mobility chair, and more.
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The Port of Houston took a big step towards electrifying its operations this week, when the stevedores at Houston Terminal deployed the first new SANY electric reach stacker at the major seaside port – and it won’t be the last.
Multinational equipment brand SANY launched its latest 50-ton electric reach stacker earlier this summer. The new machine drew headlines by cleverly pairing gravity and a KERS-style regenerative braking system attacked to its boom to generate electricity as it lowers loads. The tech significantly improved the machine’s operating efficiency and reduced the sort of costs typically associated with charging and downtime.
With the purchase of the new SANY electric reach stacker from local equipment dealer, Equipment Depot, Houston Terminal has begun to do its part to help keep the air and water around America’s busy seaports pollution-free.
“In this market, there’s a shift towards sustainable equipment,” explains Greg Schertz, Sr. National Account Executive at Equipment Depot — a national equipment supplier that sells and services to roughly 85% of US sea ports. “Electric equipment is a growing trend, and it has become more than a conversation point. Actual machines are going into service and are proving their capability.”
Equipment Depot is quick to point out that the national move towards electrification isn’t about regulations. “The bigger picture is that the world has become more of a global market,” says Chad Larson, VP of Heavy Trucks and Port Equipment at Equipment Depot. “(And) in the port industry, there are many relationships and parent companies with ties into Europe and other parts of the world where zero carbon initiatives are more progressive than the US.”
Robert Marshall, General Manager of Houston Terminal, echoes Schertz’ sentiment, “Electric equipment has a much easier, much simpler maintenance program, because basically you’re just maintaining tires.”
SANY electric reach stacker
At its launch in August, SANY said its new 50t reach stacker would be available with a 512 kWh swappable battery pack. That pack isn’t just huge, it’s compatible with the brand’s other electric equipment assets, and can support both DC fast charging when swapping isn’t practical and the grid itself by “plugging in” to the company’s BESS modules when not needed.
Houston Terminal bought the SANY unit with help from a Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) Grant, part of TERP’s Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction (SPRY) Program to replace older drayage trucks and equipment at seaports and rail yards. Houston Terminal intends to apply for another TERP grant to buy a second reach stacker in 2026.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Equipment Depot; via AJOT.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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The mining equipment experts at Sandvik have been developing next-generation electric equipment options for years – largely on their own. Now, with a €500 million capital injection from the EIB, the company is ready to get serious about its next-generation machinery.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the lending arm of the European Union (EU), and its core mission is to strengthen the global competitiveness, technological innovations, and sustainability initiatives of European companies like Sandvik by providing affordable financing for R&D projects conducted on the continent.
“We have a strong strategic focus on developing solutions that strengthen our technology leadership, and that enhances productivity, safety and sustainability for our customers,” explains Stefan Widing, President and CEO of Sandvik. “The EIB financing supports our R&D initiatives and provides flexibility to our overall funding strategy.”
The €500 million loan has a seven-year term, and will support Sandvik’s efforts to develop new advanced, productive, safe, and (above all) sustainable heavy equipment solutions across the company’s business lines.
Electrek’s Take
We’ve covered Sandvik’s electric equipment several times over the years, from their surface drill rigs to their underground loaders to their quarry- and concrete-focused electric cone plants, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability and operator safety has been commendable. Even the company’s push towards automation and AI, often seen as a corporate tactic to slash labor costs and boost stock prices before the executives bail out with a fat stack of cash fulfill their exit strategies, seems to be genuinely motivated by worker safety in one of the world’s most dangerous environments.
Of course, I said that about Volvo and they’re actively suing California to be able to sell more diesels as aI type this, so what do I know?
SOURCE | IMAGES: Sandvik.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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