Jeep Doubles Down on the All-Electric Recon as EV Sales Slide

Time's a Changin'

2025 was a turning point year for EVs, not just globally but, more importantly, in the United States. While the rest of the world stopped buying due to other concerns, one major reason the U.S. stopped was the removal of the $7,500 tax credit for EV purchases just before Q4 of 2025.

This saw panic buying in Q3, following a major sales slump in Q4. Numbers don't lie: EV sales dropped 46% in Q4 compared to the previous quarter. More alarmingly, in 2025, EVs accounted for only 5.8% of U.S. sales in Q4, a level not reached since 2022.

Doubling Down

This sales decline has continued into early 2026; some brands have pivoted, and others have become more conservative. Jeep, meanwhile, seems to still be going in on EV. In a recent interview with CarBuzz, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf was asked whether the current market conditions and recent developments would affect the launch of its all-electric off-roader, the Recon.

Broderdorf quickly and unequivocally responded by saying, "If the car wasn’t cool, or I didn’t love it, maybe I would be thinking about [canceling] it. But I can’t wait to get you in a Recon. It’s legit. You’ll like it. It’s fun. I can sell that car, the brand; people love the car. We’re all-in on Recon. So no, it’s not going anywhere." Bob's enthusiasm for the Recon seems to stem from the fact that it is a true Jeep, built for enthusiasts, with the benefits of EV technology.

What makes Mr. Broderdorf's statements shocking is that sister company Ram has already announced that it'll be cancelling its all-electric pickup project. Not to mention, the Recon comes with a steep price tag starting at $66,695, including destination charge.

Cool Factor

Set for a Summer of 2026 arrival, the Jeep Recon will be a trail-rated mid-size SUV. Some of the key features include a dual-electric motor system that delivers 650 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, despite the heft, enabling the Recon to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Range is expected to be around 230-250 miles, and it'll come with the customary off-road features like an e-locker, skid plates, tow hooks, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance.

All of these headline specs and the retro-modern design are what keep Broderdorf committed to the project. In the same interview, he said the Recon is "awesome" and that he "loves it." We can't help but admire his optimism despite the hardships; only time will tell whether the gamble pays off.

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