Jeep joins the light hybrid trend by adding this technology to the Renegade and Compass, all in preparation for the arrival of Jeep’s first fully electric SUV in 2023 . These 48 V light hybrid e-Hybrid versions incorporate a 1.5-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 130 hp together with a small 15 kW or 20 hp electric motor housed in the gearbox. A reference gearbox that is automatic with double clutch and has seven speeds. The small 20 hp electric motor makes the difference because it allows them to carry out certain maneuvers in 100% electric propulsion mode, such as when starting up, in movements below 15 km/h and in maneuvers such as parking.
These new versions of the Renegade and Compass reinforce the electrified range that is already a complete success within the American brand, and in the Spanish market one in three Jeeps are electrified. The electric motor also helps performance through the ‘e-boosting’ system, which increases the torque received by the driving wheels, in this case always the front ones because there is no all-wheel drive . It is a punctual increase in performance that translates into greater acceleration, perfect for overtaking or starting off decisively.
In fact, this technology arrives to achieve greater fuel efficiency and reduce consumption and emissions by up to 15% and in the process be able to wear the DGT ECO label . Although the light hybridization and the dynamic electronics that surround it do much more than that in the new Jeep and it has multiple functions that are really useful and correspond to the latest generation models. Thus, the Silent Start system is in charge of starting, of starting the march without having to start the engine, it is very silent and through the associated system, the e-Launch, it starts up immediately when you need it, with smoothly and always under electronic control and completely automatically. The driver cannot decide to move in electric mode or not, it is the car’s electronics that activates and deactivates it. The brakes, or rather the Energy Recovery system, includes the ‘self-charging’ function that is responsible for recovering the kinetic energy of deceleration to recharge the battery and thus optimize fuel efficiency and increase autonomy.
