Stellantis-owned American brand Jeep is eyeing the electric pickup market with the new Gladiator EV.
Jeep’s EV plans
The 2028 Jeep Gladiator, alongside its Wrangler sibling, will get a major update to include battery-electric and range-extender powertrains, CarScoops reports, citing the recent documents from the United Auto Workers (UAW) agreement with Stellantis.
While the Gladiator electric pickup will not hit the market for another few years, Jeep expects the upcoming EV to revamp the iconic brand.
Four years from now may seem like an extremely long wait, but that has not deterred Jeep fans from envisioning the upcoming Gladiator EV.
Design
The 2028 Jeep Gladiator and the Wrangler it is based on will likely maintain the iconic brand’s design heritage while adding contemporary elements to improve its appeal.
The Gladiator EV is expected to combine classic Wrangler designs with modern touches, such as aerodynamic upgrades and innovative lighting systems.
CarScoops’ design proposal includes “a reimagined seven-slot grille, a Rivian-esque lightbar, and round Matrix LED headlights alongside an angular lower bumper with improved approach angles.” The auto magazine also expects the Gladiator EV to eliminate the original fold-out windscreen and hood latches for a sleeker appearance.
As for the side profile, the Gladiator EV features a “streamlined glasshouse, two-tone roof (featuring two LiDAR units), a chiseled shoulder line and a longer bed with an angled space behind the cab for improved packaging.”
Power and performance
The 2028 Jeep Gladiator, along with its electric Jeep Wrangler sibling, will highly likely utilize the ultra-strong STLA Frame platform.
This cutting-edge architecture promises to offer improved structural rigidity. It can also support larger battery packs to deliver a more extended driving range.
Jeep will reportedly offer two electric powertrain configurations, including a battery-electric variant and a range extender.
The BEV variant is expected to feature a large battery pack with up to 229kWh capacity. It can reportedly enable a driving range of 350 to 500 miles (560-800 km) between charges.
It is also expected to yield a remarkable output of 641 bhp and 900 lb-ft of torque, drawing inspiration from the Magneto 3.0 concept.
All these considered, the 2028 Jeep Gladiator is set to challenge current industry leaders like the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Tesla Cybertruck.
Jeep is expected to formally unveil the Gladiator EV in late 2027, with production at Stellantis’ Toledo plant set in early 2028. We can expect to learn more about the new electric pickup’s official design and technical specs near its debut.
