FAQ: The New Jeep® Renegade & Compass 4xe:
Jeep® Answers The Questions People Have About Its New PHEVs...
There has been a lot of questions surrounding the new electrified Renegade and Compass 4xe models. Although, the Jeep® brand has yet to publicly announce if the Renegade or Compass 4xe models will make it to the North American market. The new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) four-wheel-drive (4×4) models are getting ready to launch as soon as the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Italian workforce can return to work. So what does the Jeep brand have to say to the public’s questions about its latest vehicles?
What kind of electric vehicle will the new Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe models be?
The Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe models will be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) 4×4 vehicle, equipped with a gasoline engine, which drives the front wheels, and an electric motor drives the rear wheels improving off-road capability. The two engines will work together with automatic management by the vehicle.
The electric motor is powered by an 11.4 kW battery that can be recharged while driving by regenerative braking and can be recharged externally via the power grid. The battery will allow the car to function as an all-electric vehicle for up to 30 miles when the battery is fully charged. If the battery approaches the end of its charge, the gasoline engine automatically intervenes to recharge it while driving, to ensure constant availability of the 4xe drive.
Will the new Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe be Trail Rated?
Yes, the new Jeep 4xe will be the most capable 4×4 Plug-In Hybrid Jeep SUV in the market when equipped with the Trailhawk trim level. Electrification will further improve their legendary capability, thanks to the increased torque ensured by the electric motor and the ability to adjust it with extreme precision in the starting stages and when driving on the most demanding off-road trails, where a low crawl ratio will be required.
What specific technology will be offered on the new Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe versus the traditional models of the lineup?
The new 4xe models will allow the customer to drive in several modes, Electric, Hybrid, as well as e-Save mode, which preserves the charge level of the battery. New e-features will be available, such as eco-coaching, regenerative braking, and pre-conditioning system of the cabin (which can be activated through a mobile phone or the vehicle’s infotainment display).
Jeep 4xe will also be equipped with specific features including a dedicated instrument cluster, a dedicated section on the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, and a new Sport mode, which enhances vehicle performance by increasing throttle performance and improving steering response.
What will be the key features of the new Jeep 4xe in terms of connectivity?
The Jeep 4xe models will offer state-of-the-art connectivity systems featuring Uconnect Services as standard equipment and will provide the customer with innovative services related to safety, security, and convenience. The Uconnect system will allow Jeep 4xe customers to always be informed about the status of their car through a dedicated My Uconnect smartphone app. On the app, customers will also have the possibility to control and monitor the charging of their Jeep 4xe, as well as to locate charging stations and set the interior temperature. Some of the My Uconnect 4xe services will be active starting in June 2020.
How long will it take to recharge the battery?
The time range will be between about 1.5 hours when using a fast charger (like the Easy WallboxTM or public charging station) or about 3 hours when using a domestic plug at its maximum charging power level.
Will the system have a fast charge mode or only a standard charge mode?
The Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe models will allow a fast charge up to 7.2 kW.
What will happen when the battery runs out when you are on the road?
The internal combustion engine (ICE) will automatically turn on to guarantee on-road driving. The system will be designed to guarantee a minimum level of charge in order to ensure 4×4 performance.
What will happen if the driver forgets to recharge the battery?
The ICE engine will allow the use of the vehicle while recharging the battery. That way, the 4×4 performance will be always ensured.
Will the outdoor temperature have any impact on the batteries?
The batteries will be designed to function properly at all the average temperatures of the year. Autonomy can be reduced depending upon exposure of the car to very warm temperatures for a very long time, as energy is used to cool the batteries. Similarly, in the case of very low temperatures, the autonomy will be reduced because the energy will be used to heat the batteries. Batteries can be exposed to temperatures down to -40°C.
How can you charge the battery via an external power socket?
Each 4xe model will be equipped with a domestic charging cable (called Mode 2), which will connect to the vehicle’s Type 2 socket. This means that you will be able to charge a 4xe model from a home garage or in front of your home if an external socket is present. An onboard charger converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for charging.
Through the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment interface or the appropriate My Uconnect app that you can download to your smartphone, you will be able to set the recharge time and maximum current threshold you require to charge from your home’s system.
For a faster charge, you can install a domestic wall panel, called Easy WallboxTM, which charges the vehicle faster than a conventional socket.
What equipment will I need to top off?
- Standard – Home Charging Cable. All Jeep 4xe vehicles are already equipped with a standard domestic charging cable, which can be connected to any domestic socket.
- Optional – High-Speed Charging Cable. Type 3 charging cable that will allow you to charge the 4xe vehicle from a public charging station
Source: Jeep® Europe
