The Jeep Recon is finally about to reach dealerships. First unveiled via video conference during the pandemic, it should have been on the market two years ago. The wait has been long. And now, just ahead of its official market launch, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has released its range figures. Let’s say they leave something to be desired.
Despite a substantial 100 kWh battery, the Recon Moab will offer 357 km of range.
Consumption, at nearly 30 kWh per 100 km, is problematic.
The vehicle’s weight (2,772 kg) largely explains this energy inefficiency.
The problem is that we’re seeing exactly what was feared with this type of model: very high consumption, which cuts into the range.
Jeep was betting — and still is — heavily on this electric off-road SUV. A battery-powered counterpart to the Jeep Wrangler, the Recon has genuine appeal for off-road enthusiasts. It is the only electric vehicle in its class to offer an electronic rear locking differential, and the only one sold with removable doors.
On paper, it’s impressive. On the charging station screen, a little less so.
Consumption That Hurts
The EPA figures are clear. The Recon Moab, the first version to reach market, consumes 48 kWh per 100 miles, which works out to 29.8 kWh per 100 km. That’s a lot. For comparison, the new Rivian R2, fitted with 20-inch all-terrain tires, requires 34 kWh per 100 miles, or 21.1 kWh per 100 km.
Rivian R2 EPA Filing Shows 335-Mile (539 km) Range for Performance Trim
As a result, even with its 100 kWh battery, the Recon delivers only 222 miles of range, or 357 kilometres. To make matters worse, the company had anticipated 230 miles (370 km). Again, the comparison with the Rivian R2 stings. Despite packing a smaller battery, the R2 offers 330 miles (531 km).
What explains these significant differences is weight. The Jeep Recon Moab tips the scales at 2,772 kg, some 450 kg more than a Rivian R2. On top of that, its very boxy design is anything but aerodynamic, which does nothing to reduce drag.
The Price: Jeep’s Other Challenge
The Jeep Recon isn’t even on the road yet, and Jeep already faces a major challenge moving it from dealership lots to buyers’ driveways. Here in Canada, this first Moab version starts at $84,995. It’s listed at $87,790 on the Jeep Canada website, including mandatory fees.
With taxes, it’ll flirt with $100,000.
The model could well be both very interesting and fun to drive. Built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, it offers undeniable off-road capability.
But at that price, and with so little range, who’s going to want one? Sales figures are, unfortunately, expected to be low. Jeep will need more affordable variants to attract enough buyers if it doesn’t want to find itself, as Volkswagen did, in a situation similar to the ID. Buzz problem.
