With EV sales falling short, Jeep expects to expand U.S. sales of its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles by as much as 50% this year.
Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa said that Stellantis plans to sell 160,000 to 170,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the United States this year, which is 40% to 50% higher than last year. The goal coincides with Jeep's introduction of the Wagoneer S, the company's first all-electric SUV, on the American market.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are a type of car that combines a traditional engine with electric technology. They might make it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles. At the rate that Jeep anticipates this year, PHEV sales will surpass Stellantis' entire 2023 U.S. sales of the vehicles, which are estimated to be 143,000 units. According to AutoPacific, they would also surpass an industry prediction of 27.5% category growth this year. This contrasts with the analytics and consulting firm's 17% growth in EV sales.
A total of 113,113 Jeep PHEVs were sold last year, comprising 45,684 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 67,429 Jeep Wranglers. Sales through the first quarter of this year were 31,750, which represents a 47% increase over the same period last year. In terms of PHEV sales, the brand is leading in the US.
Jeep is focusing more on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) instead of gas-guzzling SUVs due to stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations.
The Wagoneer S EV is anticipated to be the next Jeep vehicle this fall. In the first half of next year, an electric vehicle similar to a Wrangler, called the Recon, is set to be launched, replacing the Cherokee midsize SUV that has been discontinued. In 2025, the carmaker will add two plug-in "range-extender" models to its large SUV lineup, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, which will run on gas.
