Should Jeep Take a Cue from Ram and Scrap the Recon EV? | Carscoops

      The Jeep Recon is anticipated to arrive later this year, coinciding with a decline in EV demand, which raises concerns about Jeep's decision to proceed with the model.

      Just last Friday, Ram made the surprising move to cancel their fully electric 1500 REV, initially slated for a late 2024 release, after being postponed and ultimately scrapped. The company cited diminishing interest in large battery-electric trucks across North America, alluding to the poor sales of competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Tesla Cybertruck.

      This situation prompts us to wonder why the Recon is still on track for release. Set to debut later this year, interest in the Jeep Recon EV appears minimal, especially given the disappointing sales figures for the Wagoneer S.

      In the second quarter, Wagoneer S sales reached only 3,668 units, totaling 6,263 for the year-to-date, which lags significantly behind the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which sold 10,178 units in Q2 and 21,785 in the first half of the year. Substantial discounts were necessary to clear out inventory.

      These trends suggest a potential failure for the upcoming Recon. The situation is exacerbated by its launch occurring just after the $7,500 federal tax credit expires on September 30, a timing that could lead to a notable decline in EV sales as the incentive disappears.

      This raises the question of whether Jeep should consider following Ram's example and cancel the Recon. The company has remained largely silent about this model since February, providing no straightforward answer.

      While the electric crossover is expected to share many features with the Wagoneer S, Jeep has confirmed a Trail Rated Moab trim and various off-road packages aimed at enhancing exploration capabilities. Anticipated features include a Selec-Terrain traction management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, and rugged off-road tires.

      Additionally, the Recon will feature removable doors and a one-touch power roof, designed to distinguish it from competitors. However, whether these features will be enough to entice buyers remains uncertain.

      Ultimately, the Recon is expected to build on the STLA Large platform and share powertrains with the Wagoneer S, likely featuring a 100.5 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with power outputs ranging from 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS) to 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS), along with an anticipated range of around 300 miles (483 km).