Jeep Wrangler Adds Plug-In Hybrid, 25 Mile Electric Range

When the latest generation Jeep Wrangler debuted in late 2017, it offered the first 48V mild hybrid system in the US market on its new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Fiat Chrysler promised that was just the beginning of its Jeep electrification plans with a plug-in hybrid variant coming in 2020. Jeep first publicly showed the new Wrangler 4XE (pronounced four-by-E) at CES last January, but aside from the charging port on the left front fender, no other details were offered. With the Wrangler 4XE due to start production in December, we now have those details and this looks to be quite an impressive beast. 

Unlike the first plug-in hybrid drive unit developed by FCA for the Pacifica minivan, the Wrangler is using the new ZF PHEV 8-speed automatic. Like most rear and four-wheel-drive hybrid vehicles, this transmission is a modular design that replaces the traditional torque convertor with an electric motor and a clutch to decouple the engine. A second variable clutch between the motor and transmission input helps to ensure smooth engagements. According to ZF, this unit is only 30 mm longer than the conventional version used for internal combustion applications. 

In the Wrangler, Jeep is pairing this transmission with the same 2.0-liter turbo four which also retains its 48V belted starter generator system. When used on its own, the four-cylinder produces 270-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In combination with the 90-kW, 250 n-m electric motor, the total system output of the Wrangler 4XE is quoted as 375-hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, nearly the same power and 60 lb-ft more than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500 pickup.