Jeep is set to launch an all-new electric version of its popular Renegade SUV by 2027. The electric Renegade will have a starting price of less than £20,000, making it an affordable option for consumers. To keep costs down, Jeep will use a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery instead of the more expensive nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry used in other electric vehicles. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares explained that the LFP technology is necessary to achieve the targeted $25,000 price point.
The new Renegade EV will be built on the Smart Car platform, which is also used by other vehicles such as the Citroën ë-C3, Fiat Grande Panda, and Vauxhall Frontera. This platform allows for the use of cheaper LFP batteries, further contributing to the affordability of the vehicle. While Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa did not provide a specific timeline for the launch of the new Renegade, he stated that it would be coming “soon.”
The introduction of the budget Renegade EV will undercut the current Jeep Avenger Electric SUV, which starts at £34,999 in the UK. The petrol Avenger, on the other hand, has a starting price of £23,859. By offering an electric option at a lower price point, Jeep aims to attract a wider range of customers and increase its sales.
The Renegade EV is part of Jeep’s larger strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup. The company plans to launch six new Jeep EVs globally by 2027, including the flagship Wagoneer S, a Recon off-roader, and a mainstream mid-size SUV. Additionally, Jeep is working on a new Compass compact SUV, set to be released before 2027. The company is also developing a range-extender (REx) vehicle by the same date.
In terms of production, Jeep plans to build more than half of its cars in low-cost countries, up from the current one-third. European production is expected to increase from around 150,000 units per year to 170,000 by 2027. The new Renegade will not be built in Italy, where the current model is produced. Instead, production will take place in other locations to optimize costs and increase efficiency.
Overall, the introduction of an affordable electric Renegade SUV demonstrates Jeep’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings and appealing to a broader range of consumers. By utilizing the Smart Car platform and LFP technology, Jeep is able to bring down the cost of the vehicle while still providing a reliable and efficient electric option. With its ambitious plans for future electric models and increased production in low-cost countries, Jeep aims to significantly increase its sales and solidify its position in the electric vehicle market.