Jeep will launch an electric entry-level SUV early next year – the smallest it has ever produced – and it will be followed by a further three EVs bound for Europe by 2025.
Called the Avenger, the baby electric Jeep will look to draw new customers to the US brand – now part of the giant Stellantis group – in Europe, with a particular focus on younger, female buyers.
It will be joined on the continent by the range-topping Wagoneer S premium SUV and extreme, off-road-focused Recon (both electric, and will get US launches first), with a final, as yet unannounced electric model to come – which CEO Christian Meunier has described as a look into the future of the brand.
The Avenger itself has been built around the “right size” for Europe, head of Jeep’s European arm Antonella Bruno said.
“What makes it different is its capabilities,” said Bruno, confirming the car will be “equal or better than” the larger Jeep Renegade 4xe when used off road.
The Avenger, with orders now open, will launch in the first half of next year and use a new version of Stellantis’s ECMP platform – the current version of the architecture is used for EV and combustion versions of the similarly sized Vauxhall Mokka and DS 3 Crossback. This will give it “impressive” ground clearance, Jeep said, with segment-topping breakover and approach angles. A large boot and modern interior will also look to attract a new customer base, Bruno added.
It will be fitted with a Stellantis-built 54kWh battery that can give 249 miles of range, according to the WLTP cycle, but this Jeep claims this can be as much as 342 miles depending on driving conditions.The battery can recharge from 20-80% in 24 minutes via a 100kW cable.