Jeep leadership in recent months has stated their desire to produce electric SUVs for the U.S. beyond 2020. In March, at the Geneva International Motor Show, the company showcased electric-hybrid technology it’s already set to bring to the European market.
“Today, the Jeep brand is making another major evolutionary step toward respecting the environment and reducing the total cost of ownership by presenting its new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models. A no-compromise hybrid solution, which integrates the unmatched technical layout of each Jeep SUV, will power both the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass and will turn them into vehicles that provide absolute freedom while taking their capability to the next level through some of the most advanced eco-friendly technology,” the company stated in a news release.
Geneva
In the spotlight at the Jeep stand in Geneva were two new plug-in hybrid models-a Renegade and Compass-equipped with batteries rechargeable from an external power outlet and, as a consequence, can store more electric energy.
“This choice allows for the use of more powerful electric motors, which translate into a pure electric range of approximately 50 kilometers and about 130 km/h full electric top speed for both Renegade and Compass,” according to Jeep.
The electric units work in synergy with the new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine to increase efficiency and power overall.
For the Renegade, the power sits in the 190 and 240 horsepower range, resulting in outstanding on-road performance: zero to 62 mph is reached in approximately 7 seconds. The same figures are achieved by the first plug-in hybrid Compass, according to Jeep.
Also, on the Compass, the simultaneous action of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor delivers up to 240 horsepower of maximum power.
In addition, the new Jeep SUVs with plug-in hybrid technology are more fun to drive courtesy of improved acceleration and fast engine response, according to Jeep.
“They are also extremely quiet and respectful of the environment with CO2 emissions lower than 50 g/km,” according to Jeep.
Going Off-Road
Thanks to electrification, the Jeep range further improves its legendary off-road capability, courtesy of the greater torque offered by the electric motor and the ability to adjust it with extreme precision during take-off and while driving on the most challenging terrain, where a very low transmission ratio is needed, according to Jeep.
Having electric all-wheel-drive technology (eAWD) means that traction to the rear axle is not provided by a prop shaft but through a dedicated electric motor. This allows the two axles to be separated and to control the torque independently in a more effective way than a mechanical system, according to Jeep.