As the auto industry expands its electric vehicle offerings, it was only a matter of time until some of them would be capable enough to make out to the infamous trails of Moab or the extreme temps of Death Valley, as well as the local supermarket parking lot. And although enthusiasts may still scoff at the site of an EV heading up a 60 degree incline, Jeep might be on to something. And it’s showing with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid SUV.
During the Stelantis EV Day that happened on July 8, Jeep CEO Chrstian Meunier said that the Jeep Wrangler 4xe has sold out completely for the 2021 model year. This comes as no surprise as the 4xe has become the nations best selling plug in hybrid, even outselling the Prius in the first quarter of 2021.
Photo via Jeep## Impressive Jeep Wrangler 4xe Demand
Although exact number have not been released yet, the slueths over at CleanTechnica estimate that the Jeep Wrangler 4xe sold over 12,000 units based on the fact it outsold the Prius. Who saw that coming?
As far as effects on shipping for those who have already ordered their Jeep Wrangler 4xe, it is unknown whether or not there will be delays. However, considering there’s an industry-wide problem happening right now, it would be best if everybody practiced a bit of patience, as seen with Ford Bronco customers.
In the same video, Meunier goes on to say that Jeep is looking to have 70% of all vehicles sold be PHEV or EV by 2025 as well as having an electrified vehicle in every SUV segment by the same year.
A New Off-Road SUV Market
As of right now, Jeep is the only major automaker with a PHEV off-road vehicle. On the upper end of the market, General Motors is set to launch the GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 by the end of the year, but that’s a fully electric vehicle that weighs around 9,000 pounds.
It’s possible that some cross-shopping would happen, but we don’t expect a lot. Then there’s the upcoming Ford Bronco Hybrid, which is expected to precede a Bronco EV. These vehicles are more likely to take the fight to the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and future Jeep Wrangler EV, but Stellantis appears to be a couple years ahead at the moment.
Image via Stellantis
