Stellantis Snuggles Up to Toyota Tech Jeep Goes Hybrid

• Stellantis is adopting hybrid technology from suppliers like Blue Nexus (backed by Toyota) and Bosch for its new Jeep Cherokee and upcoming EREVs.
• This move reflects a broader market shift away from solely focusing on electric vehicles, with hybrid sales outpacing EV growth.
• The Jeep Cherokee's hybrid system uses Blue Nexus' two-motor electric continuously variable hybrid transmission.
• Stellantis aims to improve fuel economy and regain market share in the U.S. by leveraging these hybrid technologies.

Allllllrighty Then Stellantis Goes Hybrid

Alrighty then! Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, reporting live from the automotive jungle. Seems Stellantis, the folks behind Jeep, are doing a little jig away from the all-electric craze. They're snuggling up with some hybrid tech, and not just any tech! We're talking about Toyota-backed Blue Nexus and the big kahuna of automotive suppliers, Bosch. Could this be... destiny?

Like a Glove Toyota's Hybrid Handshake

You see, the new Jeep Cherokee is sporting a system from Blue Nexus. That's right, the same folks connected to Toyota. It's like Jim Carrey teaming up with... well, Jim Carrey in *The Mask* and *Dumb and Dumber* all at once. And the upcoming extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs)? They're getting the Bosch treatment. It's unusual for automakers to use key systems from competitors, but this move showcases a shift away from solely focusing on EVs. For more on market shifts you should review Trump's Tariff Tsunami Could Mean Billions Back to Businesses.

Do Not Go In There Shifting Gears to Hybrids

Richard Cox, Jeep's SVP, says electrification trends are "pretty flat" while hybrid trends are "absolutely growing". Sounds like someone's reading the tea leaves, or maybe they've just got a really good Magic 8-Ball. This hybrid hustle might save Stellantis some serious clams, since sinking billions into EVs has been a bit of a financial face-plant for some automakers.

Bumblebee Tuna Under the Hood

So, how do these systems work? The Cherokee is rocking a traditional hybrid setup, much like Toyota's Prius. The EREVs, on the other hand, are a bit more fancy-pants. They drive like EVs until the battery poops out, then an engine kicks in as a generator. It's like having a little hamster running on a wheel to keep the lights on. Both systems are tweaked to Stellantis' standards, ensuring they handle like a Jeep should.

Loser Stellantis Eyes Fuel Efficiency

The goal here is fuel economy, baby! The Cherokee is boasting 37 mpg combined, making it the most fuel-efficient, non-plug-in Jeep ever. Eric Anderson from S & P Global Mobility notes that consumers are digging full-hybrid electric vehicles due to better fuel economy and a wider selection. Plus, no major lifestyle changes needed. No need to trade in your pet monkey for a solar panel... yet.

Alrighty Stellantis Bets on the Future

Peter Tadros from Bosch says they're getting flooded with inquiries about hybrid systems as automakers jump ship from the EV Titanic. Hybrid sales are up, regardless of regulations or political leanings. Led by Toyota, hybrids have jumped from 7.3% to 12.6% of the U.S. market. Bosch is offering "off the shelf" components, meaning automakers can customize the tech to fit their needs. Stellantis is betting that hybrids are the winning ticket in this automotive rollercoaster.