In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a significant shift towards electrification. Jeep, known for its rugged and off-road-ready vehicles, has joined the electric revolution with the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) promises to combine the iconic Wrangler experience with an all-electric mode.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s electric range, its performance in range tests, and how it compares to its competitors.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe: A Quick Overview
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe, released in 2021, boasts an impressive combination of the Wrangler’s legendary off-road capabilities and electric power. This PHEV is equipped with a 17.3 kWh battery pack, providing a usable capacity of around 15 kWh.
What sets it apart from many other PHEVs is its all-electric EPA range rating, which stands at 21 miles (34 km). What’s interesting to note is that this range rating applies both to highway and combined driving, a unique feature in the world of electric vehicle (EV) ratings.
Understanding the 4xe’s All-Electric Mode
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is designed to operate in an all-electric mode until its battery is depleted. However, there’s a catch. In certain situations, when the vehicle demands more power – perhaps when climbing an incline or accelerating rapidly – the 4xe’s gasoline engine, a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit, will come to the rescue.
While the electric driving experience is the primary goal, the gas engine can briefly engage to assist when required.
Range Test Results
To truly understand the electric range of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, it’s essential to look at real-world performance. A range test was conducted, maintaining a constant speed of 70 mph. The results are intriguing.
The test covered a total distance of 22.2 miles (35.74 km) on a single full charge, which is slightly better than the 4xe’s EPA range rating.
However, it’s worth noting that during this range test, the gas engine turned on twice for about two-tenths of a mile on slight inclines. Had the terrain been perfectly flat, these instances may not have occurred.
Unlike some other PHEVs, the Jeep 4xe doesn’t have a “soft limit” on the accelerator pedal to indicate the limit of the all-electric mode. This can make it less predictable for drivers who want to stay in all-electric mode.
Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!
Comparing the Jeep 4xe to Its Competitors
To put the Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s performance into context, it’s valuable to compare it to its closest competitor in the PHEV market: the Toyota RAV4 Prime. In a similar 70-mph range test, the RAV4 Prime covered 31.6 miles (50.9 km) before its gas engine started.
This is 75% of its EPA range rating of 42 miles (67.6 km). Surprisingly, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, with its 21-mile EPA range rating, outperformed the RAV4 Prime in terms of reaching a higher percentage of its rated range.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
Electric Efficiency Insights
While the Jeep Wrangler 4xe showed its mettle in terms of range, it’s essential to understand its electric efficiency. During the range test, the 4xe achieved an efficiency of 1.45 miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh) or 42.75 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers. While not the most efficient PHEV on the market, it highlights the balance between all-electric driving and off-road capability that the Wrangler is known for.
Conclusion
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe brings a new level of versatility to the iconic Wrangler lineup. With its 21-mile all-electric range, it offers a promising taste of electric mobility without compromising its off-road prowess.
In range tests, it demonstrated its capability to surpass its EPA rating, and even in real-world scenarios, its performance holds up well. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a remarkable addition to the world of PHEVs, catering to those who crave adventure and sustainability in one package.
As electrification continues to shape the automotive landscape, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is undoubtedly a step in the right direction