Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid and Jeep Compass e-Hybrid


Jeep has revealed two new hybrid versions of its Renegade and Compass entry-level SUVs, set to be badged as ‘e-Hybrid’ and offered as an “enhancement” to the American brand’s electrified ranges of entry level models.

Following on from Jeep’s ‘4xe’ plug-in hybrid series, which thus far include electrified variants of the Renegade, the Compass, the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee, the new e-Hybrids – dubbed MHEVs (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles) – mates a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor with Jeep’s 130 hp, 177 lb-ft 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. The former produces peak torque of just over 40 lb-ft and drives the front wheels, while the latter is mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the rear axle.

Jeep®Compass e-Hybrid

Jeep®Compass e-Hybrid

Interestingly, this means that, unlike its PHEV predecessors, the e-Hybrid’s electric motor can move the front wheels without the internal combustion engine being switched on. The incorporated battery is recharged via regenerative braking, and both the Renegade and Compass can run in four different electric operating modes, from e-Launch (electric power only on start-up or away from traffic lights) through e-Queueing and the questionably named e-Creeping (an alternative to first gear idling), and even low-speed e-Parking.

Jeep®Renegade e-Hybrid

Jeep®Renegade e-Hybrid

“Today’s announcement builds upon the success of our current 4xe plug-in-hybrid portfolio, and is another step towards the comprehensive electrification of our full product line-up in Europe,” Head of Jeep Brand Europe Antonella Bruno explains in an official statement. “The Jeep Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid offer a new entry point into our electrified portfolio expanding our sales momentum by offering more hybrid options to more European customers. This product expansion will continue in the summer of this year with the introduction of the 4xe version of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.”

North America pricing and arrival dates have yet to be revealed, but with Jeep aiming to offer at least eight PHEV models in the market by this year, details are expected to follow soon. Indeed, Stellantis, the parent conglomerate behind Jeep, has confirmed a statement regarding its electrification strategy will be made on March 1st.

Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid and Jeep Compass e-Hybrid

Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid and Jeep
Compass e-Hybrid

Jeep has yet to confirm estimated fuel efficiency figures, but does state the e-Hybrids deliver “up to 15 per cent lower consumption and CO2 emissions” compared with petrol equivalents. Though dependent on spec, this means the Renegade e-Hybrid could produce a theoretical 9.4-9.75 L/100km, while the Compass e-Hybrid could dip as low as 6.9 L/100km.

Available in two trims from launch, the Renegade will be available in the UK from £31,130 (around $52,950) while prices for the Compass, four trims of which will be launched, will range from £32,895 to £36,895 (around $55,950 to $62,700). Both will be available as the top tier ‘S’ and with the newly introduced ‘Upland’ trim, which features a two-tone exterior with black roof, 17-inch wheels, and a black finish to the hood’s ‘power dome’.

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