Jeep brought an electrified version of the Renegade and the Compass to the Geneva Motor Show to show off what electric SUVs can be.
It was only a matter of time before one of the brands that feels as if it’s been avoiding the movement toward battery technology would finally embrace it. Jeep has made huge strides forward in the area of power and technology and now they have shown off a pair of models at the Geneva Motor Show that make use of a plug-in hybrid system.
A Careful Step Forward for Jeep
Last year, Jeep was able to topple a million units in sales, which means that we’re more in love with this brand and what it offers than ever before. With this in mind, Jeep has to chart a careful course forward to ensure it embraces electrification without leaving behind the core identity that has created the success we see for the brand. The smallest of the Jeep models is the right place to start in order to make it possible for us to see what this brand can offer in the form of a hybrid powertrain.
Powering these Jeep Models
Even though we know the Compass and Renegade are extremely similar models with different packaging, the powertrains used are identical. The plug-in hybrid models that made the journey to Geneva offered enough electric power to drive for nearly thirty miles on electric power alone. Once this distance and the power has been used, the gasoline engine kicks in to allow the vehicle to continue to drive for a long distance. The gasoline engine used is a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine that combines with the electric system to offer 240 horsepower for the drive.
A Change to the AWD System
These two Jeep SUVs have a new AWD system that’s called eAWD to give you the added traction you want. This system uses a dedicated electric motor that’s attached to the rear axle and makes it possible for the two axles to be separated to control the necessary torque the right way. This means it’s easy for you to have the power you need where you need it in order to get out of trouble or through some tough weather when you have one of these SUVs as the one you’ll drive.
Looking Forward for Jeep
The future is bright for Jeep and with FCA putting a large number of its proverbial eggs in the Jeep basket, we can expect to see more models offered with electrification in the future. The Jeep Compass and Renegade concepts will hopefully, make it to the market in the near future to give us a great drive. As Jeep continues to work toward the production versions of these hybrid SUVs, we’ll get to learn more about them and see what makes the Jeep brand the right choice when you want efficiency, power, and capability for the drive you want to enjoy every day.
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