An electric Jeep Wrangler may not be coming anytime soon, but another off-road EV is
The iconic Jeep Wrangler may not get an all-electric version anytime soon, but the rugged SUV brand is planning to launch a new off-road EV. Inspired by the Wrangler, Jeep’s new off-road EV is designed for adventurers as a fully capable electric SUV.
Although the Wrangler is almost synonymous with the Jeep brand, it will not go all-electric, at least for some time.
“Well, we can’t forget what Jeep is. The Wrangler is what brought us to the table over 80 years ago, some derivative of that,” Bill Peffer, head of Jeep Brand North America, told The Drive. Jeep looks to “protect that,” according to Peffer.
Jeep’s brand leader added that by keeping the Wrangler’s DNA, “That’s protecting our core.” He added that there are “Lots of very loyal followers [that drive] the Wrangler.”
Despite this, electrification has actually helped the brand. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid SUV is “the number one PHEV in the market,” Peffer said.
Jeep has teased an electric Wrangler before, even building concepts like the 650 hp Magneto 3.0 last year.
When will Jeep launch an electric Wrangler EV?
While Jeep has shown it can build an all-electric Wrangler true to its rugged roots, the brand doesn’t plan to sell one, at least for some time.
In the meantime, after launching its first global electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S, last week, Jeep is planning a more rugged EV model.
Jeep revealed the all-electric Recon last year as part of its global EV offensive. The Recon is “inspired by the spirit of the legendary Wangler” with the best of its 4×4 models, only with zero emissions.
According to former Jeep brand leader Jim Morrison, “The all-new, all-electric Jeep Recon has the capability to cross the mighty Rubicon Trail,” one of the most extreme off-road trails in the US.
Not only that, but Morrison said it can “Reach the end of the trail with enough range to drive back to town and recharge.”
Can Jeep’s Recon live up to the Wrangler?
It will include Wrangler-like features, including removable doors and windows. The Jeep Recon will also include Jeep’s signature Selec-Terrain traction management system, off-road tires, tow hooks, and travel guides.
We got an early glimpse of what the Jeep Recon Moab EV will look like after images leaked out of a dealer event last year.
From the first look, the Recon’s design appears more similar to a Renegade than a Wrangler model. However, that was over a year ago.
Jeep’s Recon will be based on the STLA Large platform, the same one underpinning the Wagoneer S.
The platform offers 85 to 118 kWh battery pack options with up to 500 mi (800 km) range. That’s for sedans, however, as the Wagoneer S offers “over 300 miles” range. Meanwhile, it does pack 600 hp.
According to Stellantis UAW agreements from November, Jeep is expected to launch an all-electric Wrangler. However, that won’t be until at least 2028.
Electrek’s Take
Despite Peffer suggesting Jeep drivers are not ready for an electric Wrangler, off-road EVs are in high demand.
Although a luxury vehicle, Rivian’s R1S is built for exploring “city streets to far-off trails.” Rivian’s R1S can plow through 3+ ft of water with the ability to drive up to 400 miles on a single charge. It can also accelerate like a sports car with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3 seconds.
With 14.9″ of ground clearance, the Rivian R1S tops the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4×4 (12.9″). Maybe that’s why it was the fourth best-selling EV in the US in Q1.
Rivian unveiled its smaller, more affordable R2 EV in March. In under 24 hours, the Rivian R2 had over 68,000 reservations. Rivian also revealed a tri-motor R3X electric crossover, which could rival the Jeep brand.
What do you guys think? Would you buy an electric Jeep Wrangler? Let us know in the comments.
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T1 Energy (NYSE: TE), formerly FREYR Battery, kicks off preparations for its new solar cell factory, set to be one of the largest in the US.
T1 Energy has chosen Yates Construction as the contractor for preconstruction services and site preparations for its planned $850 million, G2_Austin 5 GW Solar Cell Facility.
The G2_Austin site is in Milam County, Texas, in the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistix Campus at Sandow Lakes.
It’s expected to create up to 1,800 new direct US advanced manufacturing jobs. Construction is on track to kick off in mid-2025, and the facility is expected to begin producing cells by the end of 2026. There are currently far fewer solar cell manufacturing sites in the US than solar module factories, according to the SEIA.
On December 24, FREYR announced that it had closed its acquisition of China-headquartered Trina Solar’s 5-gigawatt (GW), 1.35 million-square-foot solar panel factory in Wilmer, Texas. The company renamed the factory G1_Dallas, which employs more than 1,000 people and is now fully online.
Daniel Barcelo, T1’s chairman of the board and CEO, said, “Our facilities will manufacture solar cells and modules to invigorate our economy with abundant energy. We’re excited to work with Yates and Milam County to bring American advanced manufacturing to the heart of Texas and to unlock our most scalable energy resources.”
T1 Energy says it anticipates finalizing commercial terms with Yates Construction as General Contractor.
Read more: FREYR rebrands after killing its $2.6B Georgia battery factory plans
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![Kia's affordable EV2 may be small, but it looks bigger in person [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Kia-EV2-closer-look.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The EV2 is set to arrive as Kia’s smallest and most affordable electric vehicle next year. With its official debut coming up, the electric SUV was spotted driving on public roads. The electric SUV may be small, but it looks bigger in person.
Kia’s new EV2 is an affordable, small electric SUV
Kia has yet to say precisely how big the EV2 will be, but it’s expected to be around 4,000 mm (157″), or slightly smaller than the EV3 at 4,300 mm (169.3″). That’s even more compact than the outgoing Chevy Bolt EV (163.2″).
During its EV Day event in April, Kia unveiled the Concept EV2, a preview of the entry-level EV that will sit below the EV3.
Although it’s the brand’s smallest EV, Kia promises that it will feel larger when you’re inside. The EV2 sits higher than you’d expect with a wide front end, giving it a bigger presence on the road, similar to the three-row EV9.
We got a sneak peek at Kia’s affordable EV last month after it was spotted testing on public roads in Korea, but the latest sighting gives us a closer look at the EV2 in its production form. The new video from HealerTV reveals a few details that could look a little different from the concept.
The footage shows what appears to be different daytime running lights (DRLs). When Kia unveiled the Concept EV2 in April, it featured a unique split vertical headlight design.
The EV2 spotted driving still has the split design, but both the inner and outer lights appear to be angled more inwards. It’s not a huge difference, but given most of Kia’s new EVs look almost identical to the concepts, this could be something to keep an eye on.
Prices, specs, and more
Despite being an entry-level model, the EV2 is still equipped with advanced technology and features, including vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which allows it to power a campsite, home appliances, and other electronics. With OTA updates, it will only get smarter and more advanced over time.
The interior will feature Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit), which features dual 12.3″ driver cluster and touchscreen navigation screens in a panoramic display.
Like its other new EV models, it’s also expected to include a 5″ climate control display for nearly 30″ of screen space.
Kia plans to launch the EV2 next year in Europe and “other global regions.” For those in the US, sorry to disappoint, but it’s not expected to make the trip overseas. We do have the EV4, Kia’s first electric sedan, to look forward to.
We will learn prices and final specs closer to launch, but given it will sit below the EV3, it will likely be cheaper than that.
The EV3 starts at £32,995 ($44,800) in the UK and €35,990 ($41,600) in Europe. Kia’s CEO, Ho-Sung Song, told Autocar in 2023 that the company aims to launch the EV2 at around £25,000 ($32,000) in the UK. With new battery technology and other advancements, it could be even more affordable when it arrives next year.
Kia isn’t the only automaker gearing up to launch a new entry-level EV. Last week, we got a glimpse of the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2 after it was spotted in public testing.
Should Kia bring the EV2 to the US? Would you buy one for around $30,000 or even slightly less? Drop us a comment below and let us know.
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Environment
This electric pickup is taking Korea by storm, now it’s going global on a ‘full-scale conquest’
It’s not a Kia or Hyundai, but the Musso EV pickup truck is shaking up the Korean Market. After the first models left for Europe, the company’s CEO is already saying it will be a “driving force” as it goes on a global conquest.
Korea has a new EV pickup that’s going global
During an event celebrating the first exports of its new Musso EV and Torres HEV pickup trucks, KG Mobility’s CEO, Kwak Jae-Seon, said the new models “have already received favorable reviews and garnered much attention from reporters and sales agents.”
KG Mobility (KGM) expects them to serve as “a driving force” as it expands exports into new global markets. The first Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) hit the seas on June 12 carrying 983 vehicles, 184 Musso EVs, and 799 Torres HEVs.
The vessel is headed for Europe, where the first models will be sold in Germany, Spain, Norway, Hungary, and other markets, starting in August.
Jae-Seon, who personally drove the Musso EV onto the car carrier, said during the event that pickup is now on a “full-scale conquest” as it rolls out globally.
KGM’s EV pickup has already generated quite the buzz in Korea, beating Hyundai and Kia to the first fully electric pickup truck.
After launching the Musso EV pickup in Korea in March, the company announced it had secured over 3,200 orders in two weeks. The Special Edition model sold out in an hour and a half.
KGM promotes the vehicles as “a new alternative to mid-size SUVs” that’s more useful as an everyday ride with more interior space.
Measuring 5,160 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,740 mm tall, the electric pickup is about the size of a Ford Ranger (5,225 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,866 mm tall).
The infotainment system looks a lot like new Hyundai and Kia EVs with a dual 12.3″ driver cluster and touchscreen navigation screens in a panoramic display.
It also comes with a Land Rover-like ClearSite Ground View camera, allowing you to see what’s beneath you through several strategically placed cameras.
The electric pickup is powered by an 86.6 kWh LFP battery, providing a range of nearly 250 miles (400 km). With up 200 kW fast charging, it can recharge to 80% in 24 minutes.
KGM’s Musso EV is available in both single (FWD) and dual-motor setups. The FWD version features a 152.2 kW front motor, producing up to 207 horsepower, while the AWD model boasts up to 413 horsepower. It can tow almost 4,000 lbs (1.8 tons) and includes a “trailer sway function” to stabilize the vehicle while towing.
The Musso EV pickup starts at 48 million won, or about $35,000. With incentives, KGM says the purchase price is closer to 39.62 million won ($29,000).
With more monthly exports in May than it has in 10 years, KGM expects the Musso EV pickup to accelerate the momentum.
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