- Jeep is set to explore traditional self-charging hybrid powertrains for its vehicle lineup.
- The company aims to diversify its electrified offerings in the US and international markets.
- The new hybrid models will be sold globally but launch dates remain undisclosed.
Jeep has revealed it will explore traditional self-charging hybrid powertrains moving forward, joining the already available plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in its line-up.
The company is eager to diversify its fleet of electrified vehicles in the US and overseas. It sells plug-in versions of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee in the US, while in Europe, it sells the Renegade and Compass with mild-hybrid systems. Several other brands are increasing investments in traditional self-charging hybrids, catering to customers who don’t want to go down the BEV route.
Read: Jeep Avenger Proves ICE And Manual Combo Can Still Be Compelling
“Between plug-in and HEV, there’s quite a bit of associated cost, as we have the engine and a fairly good-sized battery within the plug-in hybrid,” Jeep vice president of global product planning Matthew Nyquist told Auto News at the Japanese launch of the Avenger.
“It’s a natural extrapolation to look at HEV, and specifically in markets like the U.S., there’s a lot of HEV in multiple segments. So, it’s definitely something we would study across all the segments to provide the right price point and the right kind of fuel economy for our buyers,” he added.
Jeep didn’t reveal when its new hybrids will go on sale but said they would be sold globally. They could prove particularly popular in markets like Japan, where the all-electric Avenger was recently launched.
Last year, Jeep was the country’s seventh best-selling brand, shifting 11,535 vehicles, an impressive 17% jump compared to last year. However, sales were down 23% through August this year to 6,023 units, and EVs currently account for just 1.6% of passenger vehicle sales in the country.
This isn’t the first time Jeep has expressed a willingness to introduce traditional hybrids. In June, chief executive Antonio Filosa told CNBC that additional hybrid models were being considered alongside the brand’s current plug-in hybrids. This year, Jeep expects to sell 160,000 to 170,000 plug-in hybrids in the US, a huge increase from the 113,113 examples that found new homes throughout 2023.
