Jeep hits back at plug-in hybrid critics

The global boss of Jeep, Christian Meunier, is convinced the US off-road brand’s 4xe plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrains will have what it takes to win the hearts and minds of Australian buyers and replicate the success they’ve achieved in the US and Canada.

According to Meunier, Jeep now tops the charts for PHEV sales in some SUV segments in North America, beating established rivals which have offered hybrid cars for more than two decades.

But what works in the US doesn’t necessarily translate to Australia and, so far, PHEVs have failed to make an impression with buyers Down Under.

They’ve also been shunned by some manufacturers, which are going straight from combustion engines to full-electric powertrains.

“I think many manufacturers have failed miserably with plug-in hybrids,” said Meunier.

“I’m not going to say who; you know who they are.”

Despite buyers’ reluctance to embrace the emerging tech, Meunier is convinced they will soon learn to love Jeep’s latest generation of electrified powertrains, as seen on the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe that’s due to offer plug-in power in Australia from early next year.

“So, diesel is going aways. It’s a matter of time. There’s some alternatives and the plug-in hybrid is probably a good transition towards the full electrification in a market like Australia – I think [it] can be a good bridge,” he said.

According to the Jeep CEO, buyers haven’t necessarily been wrong but it’s been the plug-in tech offered that has been to blame for the lukewarm reception.

“They were not bringing more capability. The plug-ins offered were more of a downgrade versus a V8, V6 or a big diesel,” he said.

“We’ll do the opposite. Our hybrids are an upgrade and that’s why we’re already a success with it. Many brands fail because they didn’t convince the customer to buy it – especially [paying] a premium to get a downgrade.”

Meunier says he realises that even with the right tech, PHEVs might not become an overnight success, acknowledging that Australia’s infrastructure still has some way to go before it can adequately support an expansion of both plug-in hybrids and batter-electric cars.

Jeep will roll out plug-in hybrid versions of every vehicle it makes, although not all of them will be sold in Australia.

Meunier said in a previous role he pushed hard to introduce the Jeep Wrangler 4xe into the Australian market, but his attempts ultimately fell flat over a lack of business case.

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