The iconic off-road Jeep name is about to get a lot more electric with the introduction of the plug-in hybrid 4Xe badge.
Electrification of the entire Jeep portfolio of vehicles is getting one step closer this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Jeep is showing plug-in hybrid versions of the Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade. All of the electrified Jeeps get a new “4Xe” badge.
FCA, Jeep’s parent company, is committed to the global electrification of its broad range of vehicles. FCA is aiming to have all Jeep models electrified, in some way, by 2022.
Step one of this process is plug-in hybrid versions of the Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade models. All electrified Jeeps will carry the new Jeep 4Xe badge.
The plug-in hybrid systems integrated into these vehicles will offer greater torque, more immediate throttle response, and, of course, improved efficiency. All of this should add up to more fun-to-drive vehicles, both on and off road.
Torque is always appreciated when tackling off-road obstacles, and this hybrid system should make these Jeeps even more off-road capable.
With the top off, doors off, and windshield dropped, you’ll only hear the wind and environment around you in a 4Xe Wrangler. The super-quiet all-electric mode will allow the Wrangler 4Xe to be a great backcountry wildlife viewing 4×4. Safari, anyone?
Get Behind the Wheel Early
CES is the launching point for the fun Jeep 4×4 Adventure VR experience as well. The virtual experience places you in the seat of a Jeep Wrangler 4xe positioned on four hydraulic rams and puts VR goggles on your head. The setup allows you to virtually drive Hells Revenge in Moab, Utah, in the forthcoming plug-in hybrid Wrangler.
You’ll be able to experience this VR off-road driving simulator for yourself at an auto show near you soon.
Hybrid Jeeps: More Info Soon
We don’t know a whole lot about this system in terms of performance, cost, or when we might see it. FCA said that “additional information about the Jeep Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade 4xe vehicles, which debut this year, will be provided at the Geneva, New York, and Beijing auto shows.”
All three vehicles are part of FCA’s commitment to globally launch more than 30 electrified nameplates by 2022.
