JEEP INTRODUCES NEW PLUG-IN HYBRID WRANGLER

Fiat Chrysler’s Jeep brand rolled out its first gaselectric hybrid on Thursday — a plug-in rechargeable Wrangler to go on sale in America, Europe and China early next year.

The Wrangler 4xe can go 25 miles on electricity before a 2-liter turbocharged fourcylinder engine takes over. Drivers can choose to have an engine-powered generator recharge the batteries (at a higher fuel consumption rate), although it would take about 2.5 hours at 45 to 55 mph to fully replenish them.

A big driver of the new offerings is FCA’S obligation to meet fuel economy and pollution regulations in Europe, China, and the U.S. or face stiff fines or steep costs to buy electric vehicle credits from companies like Tesla.

Jeep Brand President Christian Meunier conceded the move to electric Jeeps is being done partly to meet regulatory requirements, but also because there’s a market for them. The Wrangler, he said, can run both gas and electric power simultaneously, making it more capable off the road.

Fiat Chrysler says driving on electricity in the woods is a big attraction for many buyers who want to travel quietly and without pollution. Meunier said the company is working on a plan to put solar-powered charging trails.

The Wrangler 4xe, due in showrooms early next year, will have a 375 horsepower available if electric and gas motors are used at the same time, and the company says it will get the equivalent of 50 miles per gallon of gasoline. It can also run in a hybrid mode, switching between gasoline and electricity to get the most efficiency. stations near