NAIAS – Jeep to expand EV line up
January 12, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Patriot and Wrangler are the latest Jeep models to join the growing portfolio of electric-drive vehicles being developed by Chrysler LLC.
As a Range-extended EV (Electric Vehicle), the Jeep Patriot EV combines the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with a small petrol engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed.
This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s petrol-engined vehicles.
“The Jeep Patriot EV expands our portfolio of ENVI electric-drive vehicles and is just one more example of what is possible through the technology Chrysler is developing,” said Lou Rhodes, President, – ENVI, and Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler LLC. “Moreover, the Patriot EV provides socially responsible, advanced electric technology in the industry’s most capable compact SUV.”
The Jeep Patriot EV features a refined and clean front appearance to match the refined and clean powertrain. The signature Jeep grille features vertical accents, and the front fascia is a separate component to help set the grille apart. The use of body-color paint, blended with matte black B and C-pillars, visually creates a smooth and elongated profile.
The unique wheel design and size gives the Jeep Patriot EV a wide stance which combines with the paint treatment to produce a sporty form. The interior of the Jeep Patriot EV features all of the elements introduced in the refreshed 2009 Jeep Patriot.
The Jeep Patriot EV uses an electric-drive motor, advanced lithium-ion battery system and a small petrol engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. Range-extended Electric Vehicles provide customers a no-compromise means of dramatically reducing their petrol use and carbon footprint. The Jeep Patriot EV has a range of 640km, including over 60km of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.
“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 prototype is a two-wheel drive Wrangler. However, Chrysler’s ENVI organisation is exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of the Company’s advanced electric-drive technologies.
When this technology is developed by ENVI, the instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently will result in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand, without compromising on-road capability.
The Wrangler Unlimited EV also uses an ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicle powertrain, consisting of an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and a small petrol engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. The electric motor produces 200kW and 400Nm of torque.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV has a range of 650km, including almost 70km of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.
Tags: Jeep Patriot EV, North American International Motor Show
Great concept, but why isn’t this technology in showrooms already? So I’m a bit cynical but to date all talk of these electric cars has been only talk.
Blame the global credit crunch (sounds better than recession) if you like.
I blame customers, if we gave the support these new products need then they will be made available to us.
It is a big gamble, to enter in to an unknown market in an already volatile and hostile environment. You are asking these company’s to invest millions in a market that they are not sure will receive, or even pay a premium for this product.
Solution, write a letter to Jeep with say a few thousand deposits, research and outline the demographic and the market for them, then we will see them in showrooms.
all electric cars are not feasible in the real world with its limited range and long charge time compared to filling up a car with petrol. I doubt any of the EV shown at Detroit will make it to mass production. Personally, i think all these EV is being introduced to change people’s perception of US car companies and more importantly to show the US government their so called “green” commitment to justify the bail out.
Alan,
If their is profit to be made, someone will find a way to make it.
Alan I don’t think you could be more wrong. It’s been well documented that most people travel less that 60km a day in normal daily activities. All electric cars proposed to date have been engineered with this as a bench mark.
They will sell when available. Yes people like to have the ability to drive further than that. This is why cars like the one in this story have an on-board generator to extend range.I really have no doubt that people will come to accept electric cars. It represents a change in thinking, but certainly a good one. So what if when I buy my electric car, I will need to charge it every night. Then I won’t need to go to a petrol station and won’t need to pay for fuel apart from a modest increase in my electricity charges. People will find that to be an attractive alternative. Charging outlets will become a part of the landscape. The cities will have less pollution. Its already happening in London and it is the future.
I agree Salesman, there will be some profit in this, but i doubt this will ever replace internal combustion engine, unless they solve the problem of range and recharge time.
Simon, having read the article again closely i see that it is essentially an hybrid like the GM Volt, in which case i do see a future for vehicle of this kind.
My comment above was referring to eletric only cars. With the ability to use a small petrol engine to extend it’s range, it is a viable option in the future. Charging the car overnight for daily commute and fill it up with petrol for longer trips. But i still stand by my comment that eletric only cars will not succeed due to their limitations
Respect
I guess time will tell :)
If anyone is interested, try a google on electric cars in London. Certainly interesting reading. If there is a political will then it’s amazing what can be achieved.
I think there’s quite a few problems with electric cars at this point in time.
Recharge times are an issue. Also, there are a few serious questions about electricity use. It’s easy to say the car has zero emmissions but imagine the increase in electricity consumption should 10’s of millions of people (let’s say in US) start plugging in their cars everynight.
You don’t think that would have an impact on the environment.
I think the electric car is a bit like a band aid on amputated arm, sure it might stop a little blood, but you’re still in trouble.
But hey, what ever helps people sleep at night.
Alan says,
i doubt this will ever replace internal combustion engine.
Once someone said the car wouldn’t replace the horse and cart.
I don’t disagree; i also think the internal combustion engine will be about for some time, just like we still have the horse. Maybe car racing in the future will become a more gentlemanly affair, with people dressing up in their Sunday best to see the old V8’s gallop around the track and the Phillies at the end of the days racing will be holding their shoes in one hand, a glass of charade in the other and singing songs while stumbling home Melbourne Cup style.
It may well be a band-aid solution but have you got any other ideas for when we run out of reasonably priced oil?
I’d like the option to charge my electric car at home with my own solar power system. At this stage I haven’t worked out how to manufacture any oil at home. Ok I apologise for the sarcasm but the point is made.
Salesman, that reminds me of what Jay Leno said in TG’s review of Honda Clairty FCX, that cars with internal combustion engine will become a weekend toy or for racing only, while we drive hybrid/eletric/hydrogen cars for daily commute.
What Matty B said is a good point, especially in country like Australia where majority of electricity come from coal power, so what will be the actual saving in CO2 for charging through the the grid.
Australia has a huge opportunity to generate power through wind and solar. There is not much rain in the outback at the moment, might as well use the space for something useful. It might not replace coal, but it will reduce its use.