Jeep Willys Electric SUV Revival Expected After 2030
Jeep is planning the revival of Iconic Willys nameplate in all-electric powertrain after 2030. The proposed model will be a part of Jeep’s dedicated strategy to produce compact EVs and solidify its position against evolving competition from Chinese manufacturers, specifically in Europe.
Jeep Willys Revival: Why bringing it Back?
The global electric industry is rapidly growing and Europe could witness a massive surge of highly affordable, budget-friendly Chinese EVs. In order to give stiff competition, big manufacturers are smartly reviving their iconic heritage names.
The Head of Jeep Europe, Xavier Peugeot, also expressed this and said, “We are utilising Jeep’s deep-routed DNA and reviving a heritage name associated with ultimate resilience, thus providing a psychological advantage, specifically in the crowded EV market.
Jeep Willys EV Expected Design
Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis also showcased a teaser which displayed an image of the original Willys MB military Jeep parked in the front of a shadowy silhouette of a larger, closed-roof SUV.
The teaser also provided various design inserts such as:
- Classic Silhouette: The design is boxy, thus taking inspiration from the heritage roots of the original.
- Off-Road Ready: It also comes with a bootlid-mounted spare wheel, which is a classic signature of a real adventurous vehicle.
- Multiple Uses: The teaser also revealed that the new upcoming EV will not be for everyday city commutes, but it will be also focussing on providing serious off-road adventures.
Jeep Willys EV Architecture
One of the biggest challenges in the electric transition is the price positioning. Xavier has addressed this and implied that “BEV Affordability” as an important factor of this new project. The upcoming electric Jeep is expected to be positioned at an affordable price point.
To achieve this, the electric Willys is expected to be underpinned on a brand-new, cost-effective EV platform, specifically developed by Stellantis. This is the same platform which also underpins the production model of the recently introduced Citroen 2CV concept, specifically designed as per European union standards and upcoming ‘E-Car’ regulations.
Peugeot also mentioned that “Each model in Jeep’s future range will be 4*4 compatible.” This confirms that the electric Willys will be positioned differently from the rest of Stellantis EV portfolio.
Jeep Willys EV Expected Launch
Jeep is expected to launch the Willys EV in 2030, wrapping up its “Road to 2030” strategy. However, Xavier Peugeot has not confirmed the exact technical specifications of the upcoming Jeep Willys, but also clarified that the Willys could be launched by the end of this decade. This means the electric Willys could arrive post-2030.
