Electric Jeep – fact or fiction?

Electric Jeep? no we aren’t talking about some crazy dance step from the 80’s…we are talking about the real thing, a Jeep powered by nothing but electricity. Is it for real?Would anyone want one? Well, read on and you will see!

Until recently, the concept of an electric jeep existed only on paper. Most people thought that it would be impossible to make a functional electric jeep and that it was ‘folly’ to even imagine one in the head of an automobile engineers. That all changed when Chrysler presented a real prototype model of an electric jeep wrangler in Sept last year  that was fully functional and worked properly. It was clear at that point that it was possible to develop a Jeep powered by electricity…it remains to be seen if one can be made COST EFFECTIVELY, but it was proved in concept.

Then, if you stop and think about it, an electric Jeep might not be such a bad idea….sure, it won’t ‘sound’ the same, now will it feel the same, but there is something to be said for electric motors and torque! Imagine crawling over rocks without revving up the rpms and easing the clutch…a big electric engine can give 100% torque power instantly, essentially at 0 rpm. Not bad at all from that perspective!

In today’s world, with oil prices going up and down like a yoyo and the tightening of the oil supply, Chryslers is hard at work on it’s ‘electric’ car strategy and the “Jeep” brand is working to produce an electric hybrid Wrangler, or Jeep EV. According to Chrysler, the Jeep EV Wrangler will be on sale from around mid 2010. The model will be a non gas guzzling and environment friendly version of Jeep.

The ad campaign goes something like this : “Leave nothing behind” just took on a whole new meaning. The Jeep EV development vehicle infuses Wrangler’s go-anywhere capability with eco-friendly emissions.”

The Jeep EV model is bigger and wider in size than the earlier models. It is designed to maximize interior space and provide a high level of creature comforts. The chassis of  is also different from other models which makes for a more pleasant ride both on and off road. The Jeep Wrangler EV model will include a 60/40 split folding backseat for the passengers and thus it is able to deliver maximum cargo suppleness.

For promoting the sales of Jeep EV Wrangler, Jeep has decided to provide free car insurance to buyers. As all Jeep owners are either already know or soon will, the environment is changing and not for the better, and an electric Jeep will be one way for Jeep enthusiasts to continue getting outdoors without directly contributing to the environmental crisis that is upon us. Here is a link to the original Press Release Chrysler put out last year announcing the Jeep Wrangler EV.

The Preliminary Specifications of the Jeep Wrangle EV are:

Vehicle Type

Body style: Five-passenger SUV

Drivetrain:  Electric propulsion, two-wheel drive

and four-wheel drive

Category: Range-extended Electric Vehicle

Electric-drive System

Power:  200 kW (268 hp)

Torque:  400 N·m (295 lbs.-ft.)

Energy

Recovery: Regenerative braking

**Battery System **

Type:  Lithium-ion

Energy:  27 kWh

Peak power: 200 kW

Voltage: 370 to 410

Charging:  Onboard charger – dual voltage

*110/120-volt outlet (15A)  – standard household power outlet *

220/240-volt outlet: (30A) – household appliance power outlet

Performance

0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds

¼-mile

Acceleration: 16.5 seconds

Top speed: More than 90 mph

Range (city): 400 miles, with more than 40 miles all-electric

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