Going hybrid is the best way to keep the owners and the environment happy at the same time. Hybrid cars are bridging the gap between conventional IC cars and fully electric cars. The most popular offroad brand - Jeep has gone hybrid with its two popular modes which are Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe. Jeep has christened these modes "4xe" as both are semi-electric all-wheel-drive SUVs. With the better offroad performance and economy high as 50 km/l, what else do you need? Let's get into the details!
Both the Jeep models are the most fuel-efficient vehicles the American marque has ever produced. You can drive these over 50 km with zero emissions which means 100% electric. All thanks to the 11.4 kWh battery pack sitting below the rear seat which powers the electric motor sitting on the rear axle. The rear motor produces 60 Hp and 250 Nm of torque.
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The engine here is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 190 Hp and 240 Hp in Limited and Trailhawk trims respectively. The engine solely produces 130 Hp and 180 Hp which is further supported by the 60 Hp electric motor. The engine is further assisted with a front axle-mounted electric motor which also acts as a generator. Jeep Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe both can do 0-100 in 7.5 seconds whereas the top speed is limited to 130 km/h in full electric mode and 200 km/l in hybrid mode.
Despite the presence of electric motor and battery, the boot of both the Compass (420L) and Renegade (330L) is the same as before. With the active E-save mode of the 4xe, the front-mounted electric motor can charge the 80% battery from the engine while the car is covering distance. On top of that, the regenerative braking is always on disregarding the mode you are driving in. Jeep will also provide a home charger which will charge the battery in under 2 hours.
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Electrictrifiaction doesn't mean that you will be losing on 4x4 capabilities and Jeep even claims that it is better than before. The rear e-axle has independent control and also offers more torque. The whole powertrain is more effective than the 170 PS diesel as the rear axle is not physically connected to the engine. Deliveries of the Jeep Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe will start after September 2020 in across Europe and Jeep is also working on 100% electric range of SUV. However, India launch is not expected anytime soon, do you think Jeep should launch the Compass 4xe in India? Tell us in comments!
