Jeep in Europe: electrification and two new hybrids
Jeep has set itself an ambitious new goal: by the end of this year, it will switch to full hybrid models in most countries of Europe. Plug-in hybrids now make up just 25% of the Jeep brand's sales in the European Union, with the Renegade 4xe, Compass 4xe and Wrangler 4xe being offered here. Although in some countries (for example, in France) their share reaches 50%. New, simpler hybrid versions of the Jeep Renegade and Compass crossovers will help achieve this goal.
Jeep Renegade e-hybrid
The 4xe modifications, which appeared two years ago, have all-wheel drive with a separate electric motor on the rear axle, and their batteries can be charged from a power outlet. The new Renegade e-Hybrid and Compass e-Hybrid have different designs. They are front-wheel drive only, there is no outlet connection, and the electric appendage is less efficient.
Jeep Renegade e-hybrid
Versions of the e-Hybrid have a new 1.5 petrol “turbo four”, which belongs to the modular GSE (Global Small Engine) family and operates in the Miller economic cycle. It has 350 bar direct injection, 12.5:1 compression ratio, turbocharger and belt-driven starter-generator. The return is small: 130 hp and 240 Nm.
Jeep Renegade e-hybrid
The gearbox is a seven-speed dual-clutch robot with an integrated 48-volt electric motor with 20 hp and 55 Nm. It is most effective when starting off and driving at low speed, so when parked or in a slow traffic jam, these hybrids can only move on electric traction, but with a further increase in speed, the internal combustion engine will definitely turn on. There is no information about the traction battery yet.
Jeep Compass Electronic Hybrid
The developers said that such hybrids are 15% cheaper than similar gasoline cars. Average fuel consumption is 6.1 l/100 km for the Renegade e-Hybrid and 6.0 l/100 km for the larger but more aerodynamic Compass e-Hybrid crossover. Acceleration time to “hundreds” – 9.7 and 10.0 s, respectively.
Jeep Compass Electronic Hybrid
Crossovers in the e-Hybrid version are already available for order in Italy, France and Germany. The Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid starts at €32,200 versus €39,500 for the 4xe plug-in hybrid. But the pure gasoline Renegade, which will not be on sale until the end of the year, is already available for 24,900 euros: feel the difference! The oldest Jeep Compass e-Hybrid is priced at a minimum of 36,200 euros, compared to 31,900 euros for the “base” and 45,850 euros for the plug-in hybrid. Sales will begin in March, followed by other European markets.
The next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will hit the local market next summer and will be available here only as a plug-in hybrid. So, in the European range, electrification has not yet reached only the Jeep Gladiator pickup, but by the end of the year this issue will be resolved.