Jeep's Electric Wrangler Wannabe Is Coming Soon to a Trail Near You
Image Credit: Jeep.
Jeep has been teasing this electric Wrangler-esque contraption for a while now, and it seems they're finally about to unleash it upon the unsuspecting public. It's called the Recon, and if the rumors are true, it's going to be a proper bit of kit. Or a hilarious flop. Either way, I'll be there with my notepad.
Jeep's been banging on about "reimagined design" and "lush interiors," which, honestly, could mean anything. It could be a masterpiece of automotive engineering, or it could be a glorified golf cart with leather seats. I'm hoping for the former, but I'm prepared for the latter. They've also mentioned "adaptable cargo options," which I assume means you can fold the seats down. Groundbreaking stuff, eh?
The big news, though, is that it's going to be "Trail Rated." Oh yes. Jeep, the purveyor of proper off-road machinery, is slapping the coveted badge on an electric vehicle. This, my friends, is either a stroke of genius or a sign of the apocalypse. I'm leaning towards the apocalypse, but I'm willing to be proven wrong.
Apparently, there's going to be a "Moab trim," which I can only assume means it's designed to withstand the rigors of the Moab desert. Or it just has a fancy sticker. Either way, it's supposed to be the bee's knees when it comes to offroading. They're also promising a bunch of "off-road packages," so you can customize your electric Jeep to your heart's content.
Image Credit: Jeep.
The new Jeep Recon is rumored to be packing a surprising punch. We're talking about a potential 500 to 600 horsepower. That's enough to get you to the grocery store and back in a hurry, even if you take the scenic route through the Himalayas. The battery pack is said to be around 100.5 kWh, which should give you a range of roughly 300 miles.
Jeep has released some new images of this beast, and... well, it looks like a Jeep. Sort of. It's got the seven-slot grille, the boxy shape, and all the other Jeep-y bits and bobs. But it's also… different. It's like Jeep tried to make a Wrangler, but then got distracted by a Tesla and decided to blend the two together. The result is… interesting. I'm not entirely sure if I love it or hate it - I need more time.
One of the coolest features, though, is the removable doors and the one-touch power roof. Yup, you can take the doors off your electric Jeep! This is either incredibly cool or incredibly dangerous, depending on your perspective. But it definitely sets the new Jeep apart from the competition.
Other noteworthy features include a Selec-Terrain traction management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks, and aggressive off-road tires. Basically, all the stuff you need to tackle the toughest trails. And, of course, it'll have a Uconnect infotainment system with "detailed travel guides of the most notable off-road trails." No need for a map when you have a fancy screen telling you where to go.
Image Credit: Jeep.
So - the electric Jeep Recon. It's coming soon, and it's promising to be… something. Whether that something is good, bad, or just plain weird, we'll find out soon enough. I just hope Jeep took all this sweet time to create an electric offroader that can deal with actual offroading. Otherwise, it'll be painful to watch.
