Jeep’s trying to take away some of the Bronco’s thunder with new powertrains.
The 4xe PHEV is set to arrive in showrooms by the end of 2020.
Electric range is expected to be 31 miles, or 50 km.
It’s been barely more than a day and the internet is flooded with Ford Bronco news. And, the odd bit of Jeep Wrangler news. FCA’s no fool and in an attempt to rob the new 2021 Bronco of some attention, Jeep’s revealed that they will launch a PHEV version this year, and all but confirmed an “SRT” version.
It was in a tweet that Jeep confirmed that the Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be coming soon. Details are completely scarce however odds are that it will feature the same, or very similar, PHEV layout as the Jeep Compass and Renegade 4xe. That is to say, it will include an 11.4 kWh battery that should deliver up to 31 miles or 50 km of fully-electric range.
The electrified Jeep Wrangler 4xe lets sleeping dogs lie… and horses too. Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/OCy6W82dGL
— Jeep (@Jeep) July 13, 2020
As for the internal combustion engine to which the electric motor will be paired, the jury thinks it’ll be the turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. If this is to follow the example of the Compass and the Renegade, that means we’d be looking at a rear-mounted electric engine, instead of the typical differential. The Chrysler Pacifica’s setup does not seem like a much better option with its “electrically variable transmission” with dual-motor EV capability. The latter would have to hook up to the Wrangler’s 4×4 system. Yes, there is a Pacifica AWD however it is not available with AWD.
Finally, the Jeep Wrangler is offered with 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. It could be that FCA will evolve this system, include a larger electric motor and connect it to a larger battery. We should find out soon enough.
Jeep 4XE logo | Photo: FCA
