Jeep intends to introduce the long-awaited electric Gladiator. While it won’t be available for purchase for a few more years, the company is hoping that the Gladiator EV will be able to compete with highly successful rivals like Tesla’s Cybertruck and Rivian’s R1S and R1T. Here are some anticipated features of the electric Jeep pickup.
Jeep has more ambitious intentions to grow in the US market after introducing the Wagoneer S, the company’s first all-electric car, last month.
Jeep is facing its slowest US sales year in over a decade. The rugged automaker’s sales fell another 21% YOY in the second quarter.
After peaking in 2018, Jeep’s US sales have been in a downward spiral. CEO Antonio Filosa, who took over last November, believes Jeep can finally turn things around and reach the 1 million sales threshold in the US.
Through the first half of 2024, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the only models with higher sales than last year.
It believes the new Wagoneer S EV will help revamp the brand. Filosa expects the electric SUV will attract buyers from other brands, mainly Tesla.
“The brands we are targeting are mainly Tesla… but there are many others,” Filosa said in a recent interview with Automotive News.
The Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition will arrive at US dealerships this fall, starting at $71,995. However, to keep pace with Rivian, Tesla, and others, Jeep has several EVs in the pipeline, including a Gladiator EV.
As the rugged SUV maker looks to turn things around, Jeep plans to expand into key segments.
Jeep already announced a Wrangler-inspired electric SUV, the Recon, which will follow the new Wagoneer S. Like the Wrangler, the Jeep Recon EV will feature removable doors and windows.
According to the recent UAW agreements, the automaker also plans to launch electric Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Gladiator models.
The electric Jeep Grand Cherokee will be built at Stellantis’ Detroit Assembly Complex from 2027. In 2028, Jeep will introduce the electric Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator EV models.
Although Jeep has yet to officially announce the new EVs, we have a few clues about what to expect.
For one, the Wrangler and Gladiator EVs will likely retain much of the design from their gas-powered predecessors.
Jeep’s new Wagoneer S is heavily influenced by the ICE Wagoneer but with modern upgrades to distinguish itself as an EV. Added elements like an illuminated seven-slot closed grille and slim LED lights give it a more futuristic look.
The upcoming Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator EV models are expected to ride on the STLA Frame platform used for the 2025 Ram 1500 REV.
The STLA Frame is the largest Stellantis EV platform, offering 300 to 500 miles range. A Range Electric Paradigm Breaker (REPB) model is also expected to launch in 2028. However, it will include an ICE engine for added range.
Jeep’s electric Wrangler and Gladiator will help the brand fend off incoming rivals like the Rivian R1T/R1S, Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, and several others set to hit the market in the coming years.
The company also announced plans to enter the affordable EV market with an electric Renegade starting under $25,000 in the US.