When electric vehicle sales began to nosedive at the end of last year, casualties began to emerge quickly, as each automaker responded to market shifts in their own way.
While companies like Toyota and Ford have said they’d continue to focus on hybrid-electrics and plug-ins, Stellantis appears poised to unplug its PHEV line.
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The maker of Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler brands announced last week that it would be killing all of its plug-in hybrids in America including the Jeep Wrangler 4xe – the top selling plug-in hybrid in the country.
Which begs the question… why?
Stellantis told the Drive in an emailed statement that the change is the result of shifting customer demand, adding the company “continually evaluates its product strategy to meet evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements.”
Specifically, the automaker will phase out its plug-in program with model year 2026, killing not only the Wrangler but also the Jeep Cherokee 4xe and the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV.
Despite this change, Stellantis says it will still be focused on electrification, rather, more competitive offerings. These include, according to the company, non plug-in hybrids and “range-extended” electrics – which are still in development.
Range extension is a big area for growth for other automakers as well. Ford – after killing its EV flagship F-150 Lighting EV earlier this year – said it expects its Lightning will be reborn as an extended range, offering 700 miles per charge.
Extended range vehicles rely on an electric motor that’s supported by a gas engine, which serves as a generator for producing electricity when the battery is low. Experts say the design is meant to relieve range anxiety and address concerns of charging infrastructure – or a lack thereof.
Meanwhile, for those who wanted to get their hands on the last remaining Jeep Wrangler 4xes – they may be out of luck. The model was already under a stop sale due to an ongoing recall, and the Drive reported that the model has disappeared from the “build and price” tool on Jeep’s website.
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