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.
Fall is here, and so is Amazon’s Prime Day on October 8-9 – your chance to snag up to 50% off BLUETTI’s portable power solutions! Exclusive Electrekreader discounts are up for grabs, but just like Halloween candy, they’re gone by October 31. Don’t miss out! Keep reading for all the details.
BLUETTI AC50B Portable Power Station
The AC50B power station is a compact powerhouse, weighing just 14.8 pounds and packing a personal-sized 448Wh capacity with 700W output (peaking at 1,000W). With six ports – two AC, two USB-C, one USB-A, and a car port – it’s ready to charge all your essentials.
Built to last, it features an ultra-safe LiFePO4 battery with 3,000+ life cycles, and it’s rated for at least 10 years of continuous use, making it a solid investment for road trips, camping, or any adventure. The Turbo Charging mode gets you back to 80% power in just 45 minutes with a wall outlet or fully charged in three hours using a 200W solar panel. Plus, you can easily monitor and control everything via the BLUETTI app on your smartphone or tablet.
The grab-and-go AC70 Power Station is your budget-friendly energy solution for everything from powering a campsite kitchen to setting up a remote workspace. With 950W Turbo Charging, it powers up fast—hitting 80% in just 45 minutes.
It weighs a mere 22.5 pounds, but the BLUETTI AC70 packs a punch when it comes to power. Its 768Wh capacity and DC, AC, and USB inputs support all your devices, whether it’s a 120W car fridge, a projector, or an induction cooktop.
The AC70 delivers 1,000W of continuous power to connect various appliances simultaneously. It also comes equipped with a “Power Lifting” function you can activate from the BLUETTI App. This feature can handle high-power resistive loads up to 2,000W, allowing you to power energy-intensive devices such as hair dryers, electric kettles, and heaters.
The AC70 also comes with an optional 120W solar panel so you’ll always have access to power if you’re headed off-grid.
BLUETTI AC180 Portable Power Station
Looking for a power solution that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle? Meet the BLUETTI AC180 portable power station—your go-to energy source for everything from camping trips to home backup. With a robust 1,152Wh (or 1,440Wh for the AC180P) capacity and a powerful 1,800W output (up to 2,700W with Power Lifting Mode), this portable station can handle everything from charging your phone to running high-powered devices like space heaters and kettles. Its compact, grab-and-go design makes it easy to take wherever your adventures lead.
The AC180 is built for versatility. With 11 output ports – including AC, USB-A, USB-C, a 12V DC outlet, and even a wireless charging pad – it’s perfect for off-grid living, road trips, or home use during power outages. And when you’re out in the wild, simply hook it up to 200W solar panels to recharge in just a few hours. Plus, with the BLUETTI app, you can control and monitor everything from your phone.
The AC180 uses ultra-reliable LiFePO4 batteries, giving you over 3,500 life cycles. It even comes with a five-year warranty for that extra peace of mind. And with four flexible recharging options – AC, solar, car, or generator – you’ll never run out of power.
The BLUETTI AC200L is a portable power station that’s built to handle anything. With a powerful 2,400W AC output and a 3,600W Power Lifting Mode, it starts with a 2,048Wh capacity but can expand to a massive 4,096Wh with a B230 battery, or up to 8,192Wh with two B300 batteries (or 6,348Wh with two B210 batteries). Whether you’re prepping for an outage or hitting the road for an off-grid adventure, this portable powerhouse is ready for it all. Pair it with a 200W solar panel for easy, clean energy on the go.
Thanks to its LiFePO4 battery and advanced Battery Management System, you can count on the AC200L for efficient, quiet, and long-lasting performance – perfect for everything from daily electricity needs to outdoor adventures. Its versatility lets you power multiple devices, whether you’re cooking at camp or staying connected during a blackout.
One of the standout features of the AC200L is its solar capabilities. Supporting up to 1,200W of solar input, you can fully charge in just two hours with the right setup. No more stressing about losing power on long road trips or during extended camping stays – this station is designed to keep you powered up and ready for whatever comes next.
Minnesota’s only public school district located within a sovereign tribal nation has added two new electric school buses to its fleet.
This makes Red Lake School District #38 one of the first public school districts in the US with a predominantly Indigenous population (98%) to tap into funding from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, which granted the district $790,000 to buy electric school buses and chargers. The school district’s curriculum includes teaching the Ojibwe language, Ojibwemowin, and Ojibwe traditions.
Tim Lutz, superintendent of Red Lake Schools, said, “As an educational institution, our priority is to provide learning opportunities for students and community members in as many ways as we can. We do this not only through our curriculum but also by embracing best practices in energy and sustainability while preparing our students for future careers. We’re proud to have acquired these two electric school buses, and we believe they will serve us well.”
The sovereign tribal nation’s district, which serves 1,560 students, partnered with Highland Electric Fleets, a company that provides Electrification-as-a-Service for school bus fleets in North America, to procure two Blue Bird Type C Vision Electric school buses and two EV chargers for its bus depot. The Vision Electric charges in six to eight hours and has a range of up to 130 miles. It has a Cummins PowerDrive 7000 propulsion system and a 155 kWh Li-ion NMC/ G cell battery.
Each of the new electric buses will transport about 50 students, and with the charging infrastructure in place, the electric buses will have an average range of 110 miles per day with a full midday charge. Together, the two buses are expected to cover around 10,000 miles per year.
Duncan McIntyre, CEO and founder of Highland Electric Fleets, told me in a video call, “School bus transportation is hyperlocal, and this project gave us the opportunity to meet Red Lake Nation where they are and help them further their mission of bringing safe, reliable electric school bus service to their community.”
On today’s episode of Quick Charge, rumors about a new Tesla van join the hype surrounding the Robotaxi reveal, and full self driving might be coming to the Tesla Semi. What’s more, Tesla is bringing back 0% financing on new Model Ys … if you buy FSD, that is.
We also explore BYD’s plans to sell 100,000 new EVs in North America next year, ZEEKR’s Europem [sic] expansion, and Texans’ take on government meddling in their solar rights. Enjoy!
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