Jeep Goes Green with Electrified Models

Although most people drive their Jeeps on terrain no more demanding than a potholed parking lot, there are those who take the notion of something that is “Trail Rated” quite seriously. And the engineers at Jeep know that and arguably err on the side of capability (assuming that something like that can happen).

Triple Pronged

So while some might be a little leery of this, take those engineers into account when reading: Jeep is going to unveil three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles at CES next week.

(Image: Jeep)

There will be a Wrangler, Renegade and Compass.

They will be the first to carry the “Jeep 4xe” badge, which will become the standard nomenclature for all forthcoming electrified models.

According to the company, it intends to become “the leader in ‘green’ eco-friendly premium technology.”

Why Jeep?

On the one hand, this is about “quiet open-air freedom.” As in, being on a trail and not hearing the internal combustion engine. Electric motors are more silent running.

In addition, the folks at Jeep say that the 4xe models will take “performance, 4x4 capability and driver confidence to the next level.”

The other thing to know about electric motors is that they have full torque from the get-go, so anyone who has done any rock climbing knows, torque is good, particularly precisely when you need it. (And, yes, there is still good on-road performance for those who aren’t quite sure about the difference between a mountain and a molehill.)

The vehicles will be launched later this year.