A silent Jeep that allows you to cruise into the wild, and even sneak upon a leopard with your telephoto lens in place… the Jeep in this story must be one equipped with an electric powertrain and, the fact is, now there are three Jeep models that answers to that description – of course in varying degrees of prowling prowess. The new Jeep® Wrangler 4xe is the new EV in the Jeep range, as it joins Renegade and Compass 4xe models. Jeep 4xe vehicles are created to provide new levels of efficiency, environmental responsibility, performance and capability, on and off the road.

Jeep first, electric next.

Being in the business of making roads where they don’t exist for nearly 80 years, Jeep vehicles were the first to feature an automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system, first 4:1 transfer case and first electronic front sway-bar disconnect system. And now, electrification seems to be the next step in the natural evolution.

Wrangler 4xe boasts 375 horsepower and delivers up to 40 km (25 miles) of pure electric operation for daily commutes while providing nearly silent, zero-emission, open-air freedom without range anxiety, because this is a hybrid. The Wrangler had become a truly ‘road-worthy’ car in its current JL generation – I mean a much more civilized blacktop version of the adventure lover’s official vehicle. Now, the electric powertrain is doing good for Wrangler’s on-road performance, with the capability for crisp launches and tons of thrust without flooring the pedal. The low-speed torque-on-demand also improves the off-road benchmark of the master adventurer.

Even as it rolls into the electric era, Wrangler 4xe is first and foremost a Jeep Wrangler with Trail Rated running gear: solid front and rear axles, full-time 4×4 two-speed transfer case and fully articulating suspension. A true GOAT with 30 inches of water fording capability to boot.

The new powertrain

Wrangler 4xe’s advanced turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and robust TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission combine to deliver 375 hp, 637 N-m and an estimated 50 MPGe. [For those yet unfamiliar with this extra e added to the miles per gallon paradigm, The EPA calculates that 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity is equivalent to one gallon of gas.] Turning these motors is a 400-volt, 17 kWh, 96-cell battery pack that uses nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry. It is placed beneath the second-row seat to protect it from outside elements and to preserve the interior space. It can be accessed by flipping the bottom cushion over.

Over the next few years, Jeep will offer the 4xe badge on each nameplate as the brand aims to be the leader in eco-friendly premium technology. Jeep electric vehicles will be the most efficient and responsible Jeep vehicles ever, taking performance, 4×4 capability and driver confidence to the next level.

Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe deliver up to 240 horsepower and approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) of zero-emission pure electric range. These models are available in Europe since summer and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is expected in Europe, China and the United States by early 2021. It is assembled at the FCA facility in Toledo, Ohio. When sold globally, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe will have electric vehicle (EV) charge port plugs tailored to specific regions.

The Jeep® Wrangler 4xe’s 400-volt, 17kWh battery pack mounts beneath the second-row seat, where it is protected from outside elements.

The Mech & Tech

A high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor generator unit mounts at the front of the engine, replacing the conventional alternator. A robust belt connects the motor generator to the engine crankshaft pulley. The motor generator spins the engine for nearly seamless, fuel-saving, start-stop operation and generates electricity for the battery pack. The Wrangler 4xe does not use a conventional 12-volt starter motor but is equipped with a 12-volt battery to run accessories.

The second high-voltage motor generator is mounted at the front of the transmission case, replacing the conventional torque converter of an automatic transmission. Two clutches work to manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine. A binary clutch (on/off) is mounted between the engine and the motor. When this clutch is open there is no mechanical linkage between the engine and the e-motor, which enables it to propel the Wrangler 4xe in electric-only mode.

When the binary clutch is closed, torque from the 2.0-liter engine and the e-motor flow combine through the automatic transmission. A variable clutch mounted behind the e-motor manages engagement with the transmission to improve drivability and efficiency.

The Wrangler 4xe hybrid system includes an Integrated Dual Charging Module (ICDM), which combines a battery charger and a DC/DC converter in a single unit that is more compact than two separate components, and a next-generation Power Inverter Module (PIM) that is reduced in size. These components are housed and protected from damage in a steel structure mounted below the battery pack.

In the vehicle capable of water fording, all high-voltage electronics, including the wiring between the battery pack and the electric motors, are sealed and waterproof.

The 2021 Jeep® Wrangler 4xe powertrain includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 rated at 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Three modes of electric driving

The Wrangler 4xe hybrid powertrain has three modes of operation, known as E Selec. Regardless of the mode selected, the vehicle operates as a hybrid once the battery charge is minimal.

Hybrid: The default mode blends torque from the 2.0-liter engine and electric motor. In this mode, the powertrain will use battery power first, then add in propulsion from the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 when the battery reaches minimum state of charge

Electric: Zero-emission electric power only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver floors the throttle for more torque, which engages the 2.0-liter engine

eSave: Prioritizes propulsion from the 2.0-liter engine, saving the battery charge for later use, such as EV off-roading or urban areas where internal combustion propulsion is restricted. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge during eSave via the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect monitor

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe chassis

Charging and regenerative braking

The electric charge port is located on the left front cowl of the Wrangler 4xe for convenient nose-in parking at charging locations. LED indicators show charging status while an LED battery level monitor on top of the instrument panel displays state of charge while charging.

Regenerative braking is a key part of the Wrangler 4xe eco-friendly equation. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, electric motor engages maximum regenerative braking of up to 0.25 g to slow the vehicle, augmented by traditional friction brakes. In a desirable side-effect, the regenerative braking feature also extends the replacement period for brake pads.

With 4×4 engaged, all four wheels feed torque for regenerative braking, maximizing the energy recovery. The Wrangler 4xe can also choose to maximize regenerative energy production through ‘Max Regen feature’, which enhances the regenerative braking by slowing down the Wrangler 4xe faster than standard regenerative braking when there is zero throttle input from the driver (when the car is coasting). This generates more electricity for the battery pack.

Off-road legend

So, how does the electric powertrain effect off-roading performance, the most significant aspect of a Wrangler. All Wrangler 4xe power modes are made available when the drivetrain is shifted to 4Lo, elevating the levels of off-road performance. The instant availability of torque from the electric motor delivers a more precise and controlled driving experience for climbing and crawling – there’s no need to build up engine rpm to get the tires to move, minimizing driveline shock loading and maximizing control and speed. In EV mode, the Wrangler 4xe treads lightly and silently, conserving fuel and allowing occupants to focus solely on the sights and full sounds of nature – now that’s the aesthetic sensibility the new Wrangler 4xe.

Interior of the 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Sahara 4xe includes standard 7-inch Uconnect screen.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Sahara and Rubicon: Hardcore enthusiasts, read on!

The new hybrid Wrangler hierarchy reflects the regular one. Wrangler 4xe and Wrangler Sahara 4xe models are equipped with full-time 4×4 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. An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra grip and capability in low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.

Wrangler Rubicon 4xe models carry the Rock-Trac 4×4 system that includes a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, full-time 4×4, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers. The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has an impressive crawl ratio of 77.2:1, which makes scaling any obstacle easy. Wrangler Rubicon models also offer improved articulation and total suspension travel with help from a front axle, electronic sway-bar disconnect. Together, they contribute to the maximum off-road prowess Wrangler Rubicon is known for.

The Wrangler 4xe includes Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control. This allows drivers to control vehicle speed up and down steep, rugged grades with the transmission shift lever.

Off-road specs that warrants the Trail Rated badge

Skid plates and front and rear tow hooks; Approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 22.5 degrees, departure angle of 35.6 degrees; ground clearance of 27.4 cm (10.8 inches); Up to 76 cm (30 inches) of water fording; 17-inch, off-road wheels and 33-inch tires standard on Rubicon 4xe; 20-inch wheels standard on Wrangler 4xe and Sahara 4xe

Customisation, colours and electric blue design cues

All 4xe models maintain Wrangler’s renowned ease of customization with a host of Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar, available when the vehicle arrives in showrooms. New Electric Blue design cues mark the Wrangler 4xe, in instances like the front and rear Rubicon tow hooks, Rubicon name on the hood, Jeep badge and the Trail Rated badge, select Easter egg design cues, the outline of 4xe around the black hood decal, and unique Electric Blue stitching on the seats and trim. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is available in 10 exterior colors and two interior options.