Jeep introduces the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid

The Jeep brand has introduced its new Wrangler 4xe, marking the arrival of the most capable, technically advanced and eco-friendly Wrangler ever.

The Wrangler 4xe's plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 40km of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion, making it commuter friendly as an all-electric daily driver and the most capable and eco-friendly Jeep vehicle off-road, combined with the open-air freedom that only the Jeep Wrangler offers.

The two electric motors and a 400V battery pack with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine are mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission on the Wrangler 4xe, and deliver 370bhp and 637Nm of torque.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe's utilises a 17kWh lithium-ion battery pack that utilises a nickel manganese cobalt graphite chemistry. The battery pack and controls mount underneath the second-row seat, where it is protected from outside elements.

The Wrangler 4xe's second-row seat has also been redesigned, allowing the bottom cushion to flip forward for access to the battery.

Encased in an aluminium housing, the pack is fitted with a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for best performance. The temperature control circuit includes a dedicated heater unit and a chiller that uses the Wrangler's air-conditioning refrigerant to reduce coolant temperature when needed.

All high-voltage electronics, including the wiring between the battery pack and the electric motors, are sealed and waterproof. Like all Trail Rated Jeep Wranglers, the Wrangler 4xe is capable of fording water up to 76cm in height.

The electric charge port features a push-open/push-close cover and is located on the left front cowl of the Wrangler 4xe for convenient nose-in parking at charging locations. The charge port includes LED indicators of charging status. An LED battery level monitor is mounted on top of the instrument panel, making it easy to check battery state of charge at a glance during charging.

The new Jeep Wrangler 4xe is available in three models: 4xe, Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe. The Wrangler 4xe and Wrangler Sahara 4xe models are equipped with full-time 4x4 systems, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles and are fitted with the Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. The intuitive system allows the driver to set it and forget it in any environment.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe models will be available in Europe, China and the U.S.A by early 2021.