US auto brand Jeep has announced it is adding the Wrangler 4xe to its growing plug-in electric hybrid lineup, which already includes the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass 4xe.
The Wrangler plug in hybrid will have 17kWh battery, meaning it can drive up to 40km on pure electric power, and this goes with a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine that combined deliver 375 horsepower and low-speed “torque-on-demand”.
It will be the first plug-in electric vehicle from Jeep available in the US, and along with its US release in early 2021 it will also go on sale in Europe and China.
The iconic off-road brand already has the PHEV Compass 4xe and Renegade available for order in Europe.
However, Jeep Australia says a local launch of the Wrangler 4xe will depend on “consumer appetite, regulations and infrastructure,” echoing Kia and Renault who have withheld electric models because of a lack of government policy to encourage EV adoption in Australia.
“We are excited about these technical developments and advances and are monitoring the take up of electrification in Australia,” Kevin Flynn, Jeep Australia MD told The Driven in a note by email.
“We will be ready to launch our PHEV strategy as soon as consumer appetite, regulations and infrastructure suggests the time is right,” he said.
The commendable jump into electrification aside (Jeep sells it Toyota-style as “an all-electric daily driver without range anxiety”), the Wrangler 4xe is first and foremost a Jeep.
A robust TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, fully articulating suspension, a full-time 4×4 two-speed transfer case with the Wrangler 4xe’s low speed thrust will not disappoint the off-road enthusiasts.
Neither will the electric portion of the drivetrain, which features not one but two electric motors. One of these high voltage, liquid-cooled units is mounted on the engine to replace the alternator, while the rear transmission-mounted motor replaces the conventional torque converter.
Two clutches are used to control power and torque from both the electric motors and the engine, including an on/off clutch that when open disengages the motor from the engine for pure-electric driving.
When closed, both the electric motors and engine work in tandem, while the variable clutch that sits behind the electric motor controls the transmission for better drivability and efficiency.
On the electron-powered side of things, the Wrangler 4xe’s 17kWh battery sits below the rear seat, beneath which a dual charging module that includes, charger and DC converter and inverter sit in a steel case for protection.
The Wrangler 4xe has three driving modes: hybrid and all-electric as described above, as well as an “eSave” mode that “prioritizes propulsion from the 2.0-litre engine, saving the battery charge for later use such as EV off-roading or urban areas were internal combustion propulsion is restricted.”
The vehicle also features regenerative braking to optimise energy recovery instead of simply applying the brakes, which means there will be less wear and tear on brake pads. A “Max Regen” mode can be set to automatically engage when the vehicle is coasting allowing for maximum energy recuperation – perfect for steep declines.
Jeep says it will add PHEV versions of all its nameplates over the next few years in what it says will be a goal “to become the leader in eco-friendly premium technology,” giving each of these the 4xe badge.
“Our Jeep 4xe vehicles will be the most efficient, responsible and capable that the brand has ever created,” said Christian Meunier, global president of the Jeep brand for FCA in a statement.
“We are committed to make Jeep the greenest SUV brand. The electrification of the Jeep lineup will allow commuters to travel solely on electric power, delivering an efficient and fun on-road experience and offering an ability to enjoy even more Jeep capability off-road in nearly complete silence.”
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.