Revving into the Future: Jeep Wrangler EV and Mid-Size Trucks Set to Dominate the Roads!

Jeep

In an electrifying revelation, Stellantis and the UAW have unveiled their game-changing plans for American factories, and it's a roadmap that has car enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. Brace yourselves for the epic transformation of Jeep's iconic Wrangler, scheduled to go electric in 2028, but not without a twist - a hybrid model that ingeniously uses a gas engine as a power generator on the move.

THE ELECTRIC JEEP MAGNETO 3.0 CONCEPT.

But that's not all, folks! The year 2027 promises to be a thrilling year for truck aficionados, as brand-new mid-size truck models are poised to storm the Dodge and Jeep lineups. Could this mean the glorious return of the legendary Dakota name? The stage is set for a truck revolution!

Let's peel back the curtain on the Stellantis-UAW agreement, which recently brought an end to a protracted strike, and allowed us a sneak peek into Stellantis's vision for the next several years. It's a vision that boldly charts a course for transitioning their truck-heavy lineup into the electrifying future.

The top-secret document reveals the beloved Jeep Wrangler, staying true to its current JL generation, will continue its iconic journey at the Toledo Assembly Complex through 2028. As if that's not thrilling enough, the popular 4xe plug-in hybrid model is in for an upgrade in 2025, getting a boost for an even better performance.

But the pièce de résistance is the introduction of the next-gen Wrangler, code-named J70, set to hit the scene in 2028. It's an exclusive electric or plug-in hybrid off-roader, promising an exhilarating off-road experience. And here's the kicker – this plug-in setup is no ordinary hybrid; it operates as a series hybrid, with the motor playing the role of a generator, recharging the battery as you conquer the wilderness.

For those who prefer their adventures in a pickup truck, the Jeep Gladiator is on a similar electrified path. With an upgraded plug-in hybrid model slated for 2025, the current JT generation will keep the excitement rolling into 2028. While a new-gen Gladiator is notably absent from the Toledo plant, Stellantis has other plans – a hefty $1.5 billion investment in the Belvidere, Illinois factory, where we can expect new mid-size trucks to hit the scene in 2027. The lack of brand specificity suggests a possible revival of the Dakota nameplate. With a projected annual production run of 80,000 to 100,000 units, this is a venture that's poised to redefine the truck landscape. To top it off, a spanking-new battery plant will rise alongside it, a massive $3.2 billion investment that's set to electrify the future.

In 2025, gearheads will be thrilled to witness the rejuvenation of the colossal Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, with a subsequent update on the horizon for 2027. Additionally, a new variant of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer is set to grace the Warren Truck Assembly in 2025, riding on the STLA Frame platform, the very same foundation that underpins the upcoming RAM 1500 REV. The initial model will feature a range-extender plug-in hybrid setup, while 2027 promises an all-electric edition, further propelling us into the electric era.

THE 2025 RAM 1500 REV.

The much-anticipated electric Ram 1500 REV is slated to roll off the assembly line at the Sterling Heights factory in 2024, with the document also dropping hints about a range-extender model, a move previously confirmed by the company's CEO. And for the fans of gas-powered trucks, you won't be left in the dust, as the gas-powered Ram is also set for a 2024 update.

At the Detroit Assembly Complex, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, in both the two-row and three-row L models, will maintain its current generation until 2027. But there's more - a 2024 refresh is in the cards, followed by the launch of a next-gen model in 2027. The document hints at a versatile lineup, encompassing both gas-powered and EV models. The Durango, the Grand Cherokee's corporate cousin, will get a facelift in 2026, boasting both internal-combustion and battery-powered models. It's a classic case of two families, one shared powertrain.

THE JEEP WAGONEER S CONCEPT.

While several models, such as the Jeep Compass, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Hornet, Chrysler Pacifica, and Ram ProMaster van, didn't make it into this electrifying lineup, there is a silver lining - the Jeep Cherokee, which will bow out gracefully after the 2023 model year, making way for new possibilities at the Belvidere and Toledo plants. No word on the Recon concept that was expected in 2024 or the intriguing Wagoneer S concept, which is reportedly transforming into the Grand Cherokee EV, though on a slightly delayed schedule.

As for the Canadian-built Dodge Charger and Challenger successors, they remain shrouded in mystery, along with the enigmatic South American-market Ram Rampage compact truck, which had once been a tantalizing possibility. This document may not divulge every secret in Stellantis's playbook, but it paints an exhilarating picture of their journey towards electrifying the automotive landscape. Buckle up, because the road ahead is electrifying, and it's going to be one unforgettable ride!