Jeep and Chrysler will stop making their plug-in hybrid models as Stellantis NV turns its focus to other hybrid powertrains, the automaker confirmed Friday.

"With customer demand shifting, Stellantis will phase out plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) programs in North America beginning with the 2026 model year, and focus on more competitive electrified solutions, including hybrid and range‑extended vehicles where they best meet customer needs," the carmaker said in a statement from spokesperson Megan Soule.

She said the phaseout means no more plug-in hybrids will be sold by Chrysler or Jeep for the new model year. Rumored for months, the plug-in hybrid cancelation was first reported by car news website The Drive.

Over the last few years, Stellantis consistently touted its Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe and Chrysler Pacifica minivan as among the top-selling vehicles in the plug-in hybrid segment, and it had previously announced plans to expand the lineup. But signs that the carmaker was moving away from the technology became visible in September as it axed plans for a 4xe version of the Jeep Gladiator pickup.

The vehicles faced a series of problems. They included recent high-profile recalls affecting the two Jeep models, involving software issues, an engine problem, and a warning over battery fire risk. Both Jeeps are currently under a stop-sale. The recalls have generated widespread owner frustration and Jeep's CEO recently issued an apology.

Selling the plug-in vehicles also became less critical for Stellantis as lawmakers and President Donald Trump dialed back emissions standards last year, including California's strictest-in-the-nation EV rules. Many plug-ins had been routed to dealers in California and other states that followed its stricter standards in order to reach compliance.

Still, Jeep just months ago had announced plans for a refreshed 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe, and continued to advertise details for it on the brand website as of Friday. And Chrysler was also still advertising a 2026 Pacifica plug-in on its website Friday.

But there were hints that the company was moving in a new direction. Jeep had not yet announced plans for a 2026 Wrangler 4xe, for example, even after releasing updates for the gas-powered version of the SUV last fall.

Instead of plug-in hybrids, Stellantis is now turning its focus to mild hybrids that don't require a plug. Its first such offering in North America is the reworked Jeep Cherokee, which is reaching dealers now.

The carmaker is also focused on a range-extended hybrid technology, which pairs a battery with an onboard gas generator — a 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine — for on-the-go recharging. These range-extended vehicles can be charged by plugging in, but the onboard gas generator eliminates range anxiety on longer trips and while towing heavy loads.

Stellantis will first release this hybrid variation on its refreshed Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV, to be available midway through this year, as well as a Ram 1500 pickup expected to start production late in the year.

The automaker said in its Friday statement that its new approach "reinforces the company’s commitment to offering advanced propulsion systems that maximize efficiency and provide options from internal combustion to hybrid, range‑extended, and fully electric solutions."

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa last month outlined the new hybrid approach to investors, and indicated the company planned to shift away from its current plug-in offerings. He said mild hybrids like the new Cherokee will be most popular going forward.

"The segment of the U.S. market that has the fastest growth in the last year has been hybrid," he said. "So we are launching that because we truly believe that hybrid is going to be one of the favorite powertrains in the U.S. ... We really believe in this technology, and want to expand this technology for other applications."

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