Iconic 4X4 brand Jeep announced over the weekend plans to establish the Jeep 4xe Charging Network, an electric vehicle charging network designed specifically for electric off-roading.
Unveiled as part of the company’s Easter Jeep Safari promotion, Jeep will install Level 2 charging stations at all Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trailheads across the United States over the course of the coming 12 months.
Plans for the Jeep 4xe Charging Network have coincided with the launch of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. Joining the automakers existing plug-in hybrid models – the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass 4xe – the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which was launched last year, is billed as the company’s most technically advanced and eco-friendly Wrangler yet.
Boasting a 17kWh electric battery pack, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe can be full recharged in around two hours using a Level 2 (240V) charging station, delivering 49MPGe and 33-kilometres in range. Delivering up to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-foot of torque, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe via the E Selec modes lets the driver tailor the performance of the hybrid powertrain to best match planned activities.
E Selec modes include eSave – which saves the Wrangler 4xe’s battery charge for later use by prioritising propulsion from the 2.0-litre engine – along with Hybrid and Electric, which match the directions on the box.
“Electrification opens a new chapter in the Jeep brand story, and it brings an entirely new level of excitement and enjoyment to our enthusiastic owners,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO — Stellantis.
“Key to making Jeep brand the greenest SUV brand is assuring our owners can enjoy the benefits of electric propulsion wherever they go, including the most iconic off-road trails in the country.”
The Jeep 4xe Charging Network will be operated by one of the United States’ leading charging network operators, Electrify America. Expected to be operating approximately 800 total charging stations with around 3,500 DC fast chargers by the end of the year, Electrify America is planning to expand into 29 metro areas and 45 states this year.
The first charging stations to be installed as part of the Jeep 4xe Charging Network will go to iconic trails at Moab in Utah, the Rubicon Trail in Pollock Pines in California, and Big Bear in California.
“It is our goal to provide electric vehicle drivers with the freedom to get to where they want to go — whether it be on a highway or off-road — and we look forward to bringing Jeep enthusiasts along on the journey,” said Giovanni Palazzo, president and chief executive officer of Electrify America.
“Through the customisable electric vehicle charging offerings of our Electrify Commercial B2B brand, we were able to work with Jeep to identify where their drivers will need charging access most, and make it a reality.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.