There Will NOT Be A Hurricane Plug-In Hybrid, After All!

With the introduction of its all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter “Hurricane” inline-six-cylinder engines, Stellantis North America (FCA US) looks to continue to offer an alternative to electrification in its larger vehicle offerings in the North American marketplace. This past week, FCA US gave us a brief look at their new dynamic duo of Hurricane or “GME-T6” offerings, with both standard-output (S.O.) and high-output (H.O.) versions being announced. 

For the past several years, our sources within the FCA organization have described to us that three variants of the GME-T6 would make it to market (S.O., H.O., and a plug-in hybrid or PHEV). Upon the introduction of the Hurricane GME-T6 engines, we were curious to know why the PHEV version didn’t make an appearance since the entire organization and the auto industry has embraced the whole “pathway to electrification” method.

The PHEV model was teased with the unveiling of the Grand Wagoneer Concept in September of 2020. Jeep teased “The Grand Wagoneer Concept features a no-compromise plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain system, in line with the Jeep brand’s plans to offer electrification options on all models in the next few years.” Unfortunately, our sources say the PHEV option for the Hurricane has been canceled.

Instead, the Grand Wagoneer (and perhaps the Wagoneer) will now adopt the new all-battery electric (BEV) powertrain from the upcoming 2024 Ram 1500 BEV pickup. Now while FCA US has yet to release any major details on the upcoming Ram 1500 BEV propulsion system, they have promised the following capabilities…

• Fast Charging (up to 150 kW)
• Dynamic Range Mapping
• EV Dynamic Trip Energy Prediction
• Smart Charging/Vehicle Preconditioning
• Drive Modes
• Up To 500 Miles (800 Km) Of Range
• Will Carry Stellantis’ EDM #3 Drive Module (Up To 330 kW Per Module)
• Will Have A 200+ kWh Battery
• Bus Voltage Of 400/800 Volts

The cancelation of the Hurricane PHEV also means that will not be available in any of the upcoming muscle car offerings from the Dodge brand as well. Dodge will introduce its first PHEV vehicle later this year with the all-new Dodge Hornet C-SUV. That vehicle will use a very similar setup to the Compass 4xe PHEV, taking advantage of a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder and a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery to be able to provide around 30 miles of pure electric range and allow a fuel-efficient four-cylinder to recharge the system and complete those long drives.

Dodge could use the PHEV variant of its 2.0-liter GME-T4 engine from the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe. However, Dodge has refused to mention anything if their “eMuscle” cars will even adopt a PHEV option or just stick to internal combustion engines (ICEs) and BEV options.

Nevertheless, it is disappointing for those of us who would rather have a PHEV powertrain over a BEV option. For many PHEVs make more sense as the plug-in capability of 25 to 35 miles of electric range covers most daily driving patterns and adds more convenience to pull into a normal gas station and refuel in only minutes for those long drive destinations.

What do you think of the decision to abandon a PHEV option for the Grand Wagoneer in favor of a BEV model? Let us know in the comments below or in the MoparInsiders.com forums.