Jeep Wagoneer S Covered a Distance of 1,100 Miles from St. Louis to Madison and Back with Ease; Complimentary Hotel Charging Proved to Be Less Hassle than Handling Multiple Charging Applications During the Trip.
Headline: Jeep Wagoneer S EV Road Trip Demonstrates the Advantages of Hotel Charging for Long-Distance Travel
The Jeep Wagoneer S EV, a midsize electric SUV, recently embarked on a road trip from St. Louis, Missouri, to Madison, Wisconsin, and back, covering a distance of 1,100 miles over five days. This journey, undertaken by Kat Stover, the new owner of a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition, served as a testament to the growing viability of electric vehicles (EVs) for long-distance travel.
Built on the STLA Large platform, the Wagoneer S offers standard all-wheel drive and was initially manufactured in Mexico (Toluca). The vehicle's dimensions, approximately 192.4 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, 64.8 inches in height, and a wheelbase of 113.0 inches, proved to be comfortable for three adults, a preteen, and their belongings.
During the road trip, the Wagoneer S EV performed admirably, driving smoothly and handling wonderfully. The vehicle was equipped with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 3.4 seconds (Launch Edition) and an EPA-rated range of up to ~303 miles (for some Launch Edition tires).
One of the significant advantages of the road trip was the use of hotel charging facilities. Charging a Jeep Wagoneer S EV at a hotel offers several benefits over using public chargers. Hotel charging typically provides free Level 2 chargers in a secure, often covered location where the vehicle can charge overnight without the need to hunt for an available spot, juggle multiple apps, or deal with payment complications. This results in the vehicle being fully charged and ready every morning, allowing for a smooth and relaxed travel rhythm without range anxiety before daily excursions.
In contrast, public chargers can require navigating a patchwork of apps, payment methods, and limitations such as charging caps that interrupt the process—examples include a Rivian charger cutting off after a certain dollar amount is reached, forcing manual intervention. Hotel charging avoids these hassles by offering a more stable, hassle-free experience ideal for long trips or overnight stays.
The Wagoneer S EV stopped at a Rivian charger in Normal and another charger in South Beloit for top-offs. However, the Rivian charger in Normal, Illinois, limited charging to $25 before cutting off, requiring someone to restart the process.
Kat Stover used ABRP for planning the road trip and paid for a month of integration with the vehicle. However, the connection between the app and the vehicle seemed to stop updating during the trip.
Despite these minor inconveniences, the road trip demonstrated that the open road in an EV is not only possible but pleasant, especially when you begin each day with a full battery and a cup of coffee. The Jeep Wagoneer S EV charged peacefully every evening and was ready for daily excursions.
The Wagoneer S EV is Jeep's first global BEV sold in the U.S., featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive as standard. The vehicle is also rated to tow up to ~3,400-3,500 lbs, depending on configuration. The Wagoneer S carried four people and their cargo across multiple states without generating horror stories that keep buyers away from EVs.
The Wagoneer S EV is equipped with 45 inches of total front display area across multiple screens, offering a modern and tech-savvy driving experience. The vehicle's Launch Edition is not a cautious toe-dip into electrification but a fully realized luxury SUV with capability and comfort intact.
In conclusion, the Jeep Wagoneer S EV road trip showcased the benefits of hotel charging for long-distance EV travel and the vehicle's capability for comfortable and enjoyable long-distance journeys. The open road in an EV is indeed within reach, and the Wagoneer S EV is a strong contender for those seeking a blend of luxury, capability, and electric power.
