Upcoming Jeep Renegade 4x4 to Launch as an Affordable Electric SUV

Stellantis is reportedly developing the next generation of the Jeep Renegade as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), aiming for a price tag below $25,000 (approximately ₹20.8 lakh). This competitive pricing will position the Renegade beneath the current Avenger electric SUV, which costs around $45,000 (approximately ₹37 lakh). Though specific details remain scarce, reports suggest that a low-cost Renegade powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) is being built on the Common Modular Platform (CMP), which is also used by the Citroen C3 line-up. The BEV version, however, is expected to be built on the Smart Car platform, also known as the e-CMP.

Initially, Stellantis had indicated that the Renegade would be constructed on the STLA Small platform, a derivative of the CMP. The development of the Renegade EV will utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are cheaper than their lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) counterparts. While LMFP batteries offer greater range due to their higher energy density, the lower cost of LFP batteries will help Stellantis reduce overall costs.

A Budget-Friendly Electric Future

The Jeep Avenger EV, built on the e-CMP2 platform with LMFP batteries and a 54 kWh battery pack, can achieve a range of about 400 km. In contrast, the Renegade is anticipated to offer a shorter range with its LFP batteries. Despite this, the LFP batteries ensure stable and safe performance and are compatible with the e-CMP platform. For instance, the Citroen e-C3, which also uses LFP batteries and has a 44 kWh battery pack, delivers an ARAI-claimed range of 320 km. The Renegade EV is expected to offer a similar range based on its specifications.

Currently, the plug-in hybrid Renegade 4xe features a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with an 11.4 kWh battery, producing a combined output of 237 bhp and a top speed of around 200 km/h. The 4xe is built on the FCA Small Wide 4x4 platform, which supports an ICE-powered 4x4 drivetrain. Jeep has announced plans for 13 plug-in models by 2027, some of which will be fully electric while others will be hybrids, giving customers various options. Five new models will be based on the STLA Medium architecture.

Additionally, Jeep aims to shift more than half of its yearly production to lower-cost countries by 2027. This strategy is expected to reduce costs and increase production to meet their target of 1.5 million global sales by 2027.