Jeep takes another step forward in electrification with the start of sales of its new mild hybrid or light hybrid versions of the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass, only available with front-wheel drive. The range of these models from now on will be made up of these new variants called e-Hybrid and the 4xe plug-in hybrids. The diesel and gasoline engines that were marketed until now are no longer being brought to Spain, only units in stock will be delivered.
Joan Dalmau explained to us in this article the characteristics of these new e-Hybrid variants, now we have had the opportunity to drive them at the international presentation in Turin. The most outstanding novelty is that Jeep uses an advanced light hybridization technology or mild hybrid (MHEV).
In 2023 the first electric Jeep will arrive
Jeep began its electrification process at the end of 2020 by adding plug-in hybrid versions (PHEV) to its range. Today one out of every three Jeep sold in Europe is already in a PHEV. With the arrival of the e-Hybrid versions, the buyer has more sustainable options to choose from: Renegade/Compass with a zero label or an eco label.
Additionally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will make its debut this summer, and the first all-electric Jeep will launch in early 2023. “By the end of 2022 we will end all traditional combustion engines in the main European markets, with the exception of Italy,” said Antonella Bruno, head of the Jeep brand in Europe. All this electrification strategy has a name: “100% Electrified Freedom” (“100% electric freedom”).
Mild hybrid that work like hybrids
The MHEV system comprises a 15 kW (20 PS) electric motor, a 48-volt battery and a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 130 PS and 240 Nm of torque.
The new mild hybrids stand out because they are capable of moving in fully electric mode, just like a normal hybrid does. And it achieves this when starting the car (it always starts on electric power), at certain moments of circulation (at low speed or cruising speed) and also during low-speed maneuvers, such as when parking. With this support from the electric motor, the new Renegade and Compass reduce their consumption by 15% compared to the previous 1.3 130 hp petrol engine.
And if it can move on electric like a hybrid, why isn’t it a hybrid? The main reason is that the battery it equips is 48 volts (0.8 kWh) while that of a hybrid usually ranges between 200 and 300 volts. The keys are found in the 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor that is integrated into a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The electric motor is linked to the gearbox through gears and is what allows the car to move without emissions. In addition, the entire light hybridization system automatically activates different operating modes depending on traffic circumstances, which improves efficiency.
Thanks to the ‘Silent Start’ function, the vehicle starts in electric mode. EV mode is also activated with the e-Launch (when braking and accelerating at short stops, for example when arriving and leaving a traffic light); in e-Parking mode (when parking); in e-Creeping mode when maneuvering (engine idling in first gear or reverse); and in e-Queuing in traffic jams (combines e-Launch and e-Creeping).
The battery is recharged automatically (without the need for plugs or charging points) as a hybrid does: when you lift the accelerator pedal or when braking. The braking system features a ‘self-charging’ function that uses decelerations to maximize kinetic energy recovery and improve efficiency. In e-Coasting mode, regeneration is activated as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator, in e-Braking when braking.
When there are no retentions and circulation is more fluid, it is possible to optimize the operating point of the heat engine to make it more efficient (Load Point Shift) by calibrating the torque provided by the electric motor. For example, during acceleration, with the e-Boosting function, the electric motor supports the gasoline engine by increasing torque at the wheels.
Driving impressions with the Renegade
How do all these functions translate when we get behind the wheel of a Renegade or Compass e-Hybrid? It has really surprised me how often it drives in EV mode, especially in the Renegade which is a smaller SUV, it really works like a hybrid. It is the first one I have driven, on a 40-kilometre route with an urban area, secondary road (mostly with curves) at low speed (at a rate of 60-80 km/h) and some highway.
The test unit is equipped with all-weather tires (mandatory on many of the roads around Turin), which contribute to good grip. The behavior is good and the torque provided by the electric motor is slightly appreciated (55 Nm of torque, equivalent to 135 Nm at the input level of the gearbox), it must be taken into account that the power of this EV motor does not it is very high (15 kW) but better than nothing. The battery regenerates quite easily, although it did not reach three quarters of its capacity. Consumption also surprised me, but not for the better. On average it marked 7.5 l/100 km, although on interurban roads with many curves it exceeded 9 liters and without asking much of the accelerator, figures quite far from the approved 5.7-6.1 l/100 km. If I managed to see on the on-board computer the 6.1 liters in a small journey of seven kilometers on a flatter area. We will have to wait for a more in-depth test to draw conclusions about consumption, but the first impression is that it is rather high.
The steering and suspension do their job well and the dual-clutch gearbox contributes to improving driving comfort, although it hits a little hitch in the first gears.
Behind the wheel of the Compass MHEV
The route with the Jeep Compass e-Hybrid has covered 30 kilometers, on interurban roads (secondary, a bit of city and a bit of motorway) with an average consumption of 15.6 l/100 km while driving rather calm with some acceleration than another to check the acceleration. The approved average consumption is only 5.6 l/100 km, a figure that could perhaps be approached by gently treating the accelerator and only in urban areas, which is when the battery regenerates the most and the mode comes into operation the most. electric. Behind this high consumption may be that the electric mode is activated less frequently than in the case of the Renegade, due to its larger size and weight. In terms of behavior, it responds quickly when we demand it (the support of the electric motor is noticeable), it has good suspension feel and is quite noble in its passage through an area with some curve.
In both the Renegade and the Compass we can press a button near the gearbox to force the battery power to be saved for later use, which is achieved by pressing it to remove the EV mode. As for the Compass, for the first time the level 2 autonomous driving function on highways (Highway Assist) is incorporated into its entire range. It thus becomes the first European Jeep model to have this advanced driving assistance system.
New Upland Finish
It is another of the novelties presented by Jeep for its entire range, both e-Hybrid and 4xe. It is the most sustainable finish. It is recognizable by its metallic blue to gray body color, black roof for Renagade, 17” gloss black alloy wheels for Renegade and 18” for Compass, and the bronze trim on the frames of the front grille and the rear skid plate, as well as a specific vinyl on the hood.
Inside, recycled materials are used (such as plastics obtained from the Mediterranean Sea) for the roof lining, mats or seats, and blue stitching is used for upholstery.
Jeep e-Hybrid Prices
Orders are now available for these new versions of the Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid. The first units can already be seen at dealerships and the first deliveries will be made as they arrive. From Jeep they do not give us deadlines due to the uncertainty of the social situation and the production of microchips.
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Jeep Compass e-Hybrid Longitude: €37,750
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Jeep Compass e-Hybrid Night Eagle: €39,750
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Jeep Compass e-Hybrid Limited: €41,000
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Jeep Compass e-Hybrid Upland: €43,500
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Jeep Compass e-Hybrid S: €45,000
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Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid Length: €31,100
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Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid Night Eagle: €32,600
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Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid Limited: €33,500
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Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid Upland: €36,400
You can consult in our section of new cars the offers of the Jeep Renegade and the Jeep Compass.
