Jeep has unveiled its new hybrid SUVs in Europe. The Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid and Jeep Compass e-Hybrid have debuted on the scene to take the top step in the company’s lineup of electrified SUVs. Some models that use 48-volt light hybrid technology and that stand out, without a doubt, for their level of efficiency.
The Jeep brand continues with its particular electrification process in Europe. After consolidating an important range of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) under the 4xe badge, the iconic firm is going a step further by introducing an alternative less committed to fully electric mobility in its product line. New ones have been unveiled Jeep Renegade eHybrid Y Jeep Compass eHybrid.
Jeep bets on the 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) technology under the premise to improve the level of efficiency of its most popular SUVs. And it is that both the Renegade and the Compass concentrate a good part of the registrations that the company registers in the Old Continent.
The light hybrid engine in the Jeep Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid
Under the hood of Jeep e-Hybrid models lies a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which develops a power of 130 hp and 240 Nm of maximum torque. It is associated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a front-wheel drive system.
The determining key of this engine is that it has 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) technology. The propulsion system includes a small electric motor 15 kW (20 hp) and 55 Nm of maximum torque. It even has the ability to power the vehicle when the internal combustion engine is off.
Similarly, it is important to highlight the intelligent braking system with automatic charging function that uses mixed regenerative braking to maximize the recovery of kinetic energy and, in this way, improve efficiency. Compared to previous petrol engines, this new engine boasts up to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The new Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid have the ability to operate in fully electric mode in certain situations and, of course, depending on the state of charge of the battery. They are the following:
- eLaunch: the vehicle starts using only the electric motor or when restarting at traffic lights.
- e-Creeping: The electric motor provides the starting normally seen in automatic vehicles, at a speed that can vary between 0 km/h to the equivalent of the gasoline engine idling in first gear, or gear behind.
- e-Queuing: the vehicle has the ability to start and stop in a traffic jam following a Stop&Go pattern in fully electric mode.
- e-Parking: Certain parking maneuvers can only be carried out with electric drive.
Jeep celebrates the arrival of e-Hybrid models with the Upland special edition
Under the premise of celebrating the arrival of its new electrified SUVs in style, Jeep has presented the upland special edition. A version that presents differentiating design details as well as sustainable materials.
The Renegade and Compass Upland are quickly identifiable. The body has a new and exclusive color Matter Azur and that contrasts with the black roof. To this we must add 17-inch alloy wheels (for the Renegade) and 18-inch (for the Compass). Another distinctive detail is the finish in MetaKrome bronze that we can find in the grill and in the rear bumper. Also noteworthy is the decorative vinyl on the hood.
Leaving aside the exterior, if we go inside we will find ourselves enveloped by a very interesting environment in which recycled materials are the protagonists. For example, we have SEAQUAL seats made from recycled plastic taken from the ocean. Recycled plastics are mixed with other ecological fibers to create a very striking upholstery.
The passenger compartment also features MetaKrome Bronze painted finishes. In Renegade, some of the black plastic panels and components used in the interior are also derived from recycled materials. Incidentally, the Upland Special Edition will also be available for Renegade and Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid models.
Launch date of the new Jeep Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid
When they will be available? The order book for the new e-Hybrid versions of the Renegade and Compass is now open in Italy, France and Germany. Other European markets will be added later, with the first copies available at dealerships next March.