Jeep plans to offer gas-electric hybrid vehicles, and eventually full electric powertrains. The company unveiled the first of their battery-powered vehicles for the U.S. on Thursday, a plug-in rechargeable Wrangler that is slated to go on sale in America, Europe and China in early 2021.
From the Associated Press:
The Wrangler 4xe can go 25 miles (40 kilometers) on electricity before a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine takes over. Drivers can choose to have an engine-powered generator recharge the batteries (at a higher fuel consumption rate), although it would take about 2.5 hours at 45 to 55 mph (72.4 to 88.5 kilometers per hour) to fully replenish them.
A big driver of the new offerings is FCA's obligation to meet fuel economy and pollution regulations in Europe, China, and the U.S. or face stiff fines or steep costs to buy electric vehicle credits from companies like Tesla.
Jeep Brand President Christian Meunier conceded the move to electric Jeeps is being done partly to meet regulatory requirements, but also because there's a market for them. The Wrangler, he said, can run both gas and electric power simultaneously, making it more capable off the road.
Read more at AP: Jeep reveals hybrid Wrangler, 1st US battery-powered vehicle
