Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV Launched at Detroit

Following the recent launch of the Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler seems to be fully committed to its initial plan to concentrate on fuel-efficient models and hybrid versions of its cars seem to be the best way to achieve this goal. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV is just another car that incorporates Chrysler's ENVI system, the Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology that gets fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to zero points. At least, this is what Chrysler claims, pointing to the electric engine that provides an autonomy of up to 40 miles in fully electric mode. As expected, the total range can be increased to up to 400 miles using the additional combustion engine.

“One of our goals at ENVI is to develop electric-drive solutions for every segment and for every customer,” said Lou Rhodes, President – ENVI, and Vice President – Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler LLC. “An electric-drive Jeep Wrangler brings ultimate fuel efficiency and ultra-clean transportation to a market segment whose consumers want to explore the environment to the fullest.”

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show under the form of a a prototype equipped with a two-wheel drive system, but a four-wheel drive alternative may also be announced in the near future, Chrysler said in a statement for the press.

Technical features include a maximum power of 200 kW (268 horsepower), a 0 to 60 mph acceleration done in approximately 9 seconds with top speed rated at 90 mph (that's almost 145 km/h). The exterior is painted in ENVI Green Pearl while the interior comes in Dark Slate Gray. Similar to other hybrids, the lithium-ion batteries can also be recharged through a regenerative braking system but also using the additional small-displacement gasoline engine.