After seeing success with its 4xe plug-in hybrids, Jeep may add some conventional hybrids to its U.S. lineup as well, reports Automotive News.
Standard hybrids are "definitely one of a range of things we are looking at for sure," Jeep global product planning VP Matthew Nyquist said in a video conference call with Automotive News and other media outlets, calling this a "natural extrapolation" from Jeep's current plug-in hybrids.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Nyquist did not give a timeline for when Jeep hybrids might arrive in the U.S., but noted that the Stellantis brand's attention has been piqued by the lower costs associated with smaller battery packs versus plug-in hybrids. Hybrids have also proliferated throughout multiple market segments in the U.S., Nyquist said, so adding them could help Jeep stay competitive.
This comes after comments by Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa earlier this year hinting at a possible hybrid powertrain for the Recon, slated to be one of the first fully electric Jeep models for the U.S., after the Wagoneer S that's due to reach showrooms later this year. In a May interview with Autocar, Filosa said Jeep was studying alternative powertrains for the Recon but that pure internal combustion was off the table.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S
Hybrids without plugs would be a significant course change for Jeep. The Wrangler 4xe has been the top selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S., and Jeep is planning a Gladiator 4xe pickup truck to grow the plug-in hybrid lineup, which also includes a 4xe version of the popular Grand Cherokee SUV.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has also promised a $25,000 Jeep EV for the U.S., and the automaker has confirmed range-extended plug-in hybrid versions of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer 3-row SUVs. So the brand already has many electrified options—likely with greater efficiency—without resorting to conventional hybrids.
