Jeep Encourages its Enthusiasts to “Plug and Play”
By the end of 2020, Jeep will see its iconic Wrangler model diverge from its usual 4×4 badges as the brand introduces its first-ever hybrid plug-in variant. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler lineup will include a trim that’ll feature a 4xe badge as Jeep moves on to the next phase of its electrification plans. The eco-friendly powertrain doubles down on what it means to be a Jeep vehicle, especially an iconic Jeep Wrangler. Preservation of the environment is key as it’s the concept of open-air freedom and outdoor exploration that made Jeep a household name.
Some diehard enthusiasts will be quick with a Prius joke, but this electrified Jeep Wrangler is as capable as ever. It’s just as capable as any other gasoline-only counterpart in its lineup. Every Wrangler 4xe features a pair of hefty Dana 44 axles, 10.8 inches of ground clearance, up to 30 inches of waterfording, and a two-speed transfer case with the ability to engage four-wheel-drive on a full-time basis. On paper it feels strange to mention an electric Wrangler mixing with traditional waterfording, but the automaker detailed how the high-voltage components are not only sealed, they’re also waterproof.
Not only is the Wrangler 4xe just as competent as its gasoline-only counterparts, it’s actually more powerful. There’s an electric motor mounted at the front of the Wrangler’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline engine, with another electric motor mounted at the front of the model’s eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler 4xe and its powertrain offer buyers a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Those two figures alone exceed the rest of the Wrangler’s non-hybrid engine figures. Even the all-new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel Wrangler comes up short with its 442 lb-ft of torque. In fact, even if Jeep manages to build the rumored Rubicon Concept Wrangler, with its 450-horsepower V8 engine, the plug-in hybrid variant will still have a 20 lb-ft torque advantage over a HEMI-powered Wrangler.
The Wrangler 4xe’s electric motors are powered by a battery pack stored beneath the back seat. It’s easily accessible and requires owners to simply flip up the bottom cushion. Jeep didn’t disclose any of the final details, including the charging compatibility or charging times, but it did go into detail describing the charging port itself. It’s on the front cowl of the vehicle, which makes perfect sense since parking headfirst at a charging station shouldn’t be a problem. The charging port also has an LED light that indicates the charging status, while the interior of the Wrangler 4xe also features an LED display atop the instrument panel that lets drivers check the state of the battery.
Additional details are sure to trickle slowly until we near the actual launch of the Wrangler 4xe model. Follow Miami Lakes Jeep on social media to stay up to date on the latest Jeep news and offers. If you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a Jeep, be it an iconic Jeep Wrangler , the all-new Jeep Gladiator , or the classic Grand Cherokee , visit us at Miami Lakes AutoMall and schedule your test drive today!
Photo Source/Copyright: Jeep
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