The Jeep Renegade PHEV is the first Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle from the company. The Renegade combines a 1.3-liter GSE turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor located between the rear wheels which is powered by a set of batteries. These batteries can be recharged while driving or by using an external power outlet using either a domestic plug point, a wallbox or a commercial charging station in between 1-1/2 to three hours. The car has a pure electric range of 50 KM. The combine power output of the vehicle is between 190 to 240 BHP depending on the trim level chosen. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in seven seconds. In pure electric mode, it can reach a top speed of 130 km/h.

The new hybrid technology and the greater torque offered by a combination of petrol and electric power sources helps improve the Jeep Renegade’s legendary off-road capability. The cars has a new electric all-wheel-drive technology (eAWD). As a result, traction to the rear axle is provided bye the dedicated electric motor and not by a prop shaft. This allows the two axles to be separated and control the torque independently in a more effective way than a mechanical system.

The driver of a Renegade has three modes of driving to choose from: –

  • Hybrid: this mode optimises power to minimise fuel consumption. In this mode the internal combustion engine and electric motor work together depending on the road type, with energy recovery phases when braking
  • eSave: the internal combustion engine can maintain or recharge the battery while driving
  • Electric: full-electric mode which allows for a pure electric range of approximately 50 kilometers.

The Renegade has a new 7” TFT colour display which shows information like, the battery charge level, range in electric, combustion and combined modes, power percentage and recharge levels. In addition, the 8.4″ Uconnect colour screen features new tabs such as power flow, driving history, charging times, eSave etc.

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