Jeep is reportedly bringing these PHEVs to market, but not in the U.S.
Another sad day for U.S. plug-in car enthusiasts. As we previously shared, Jeep has plans for a Renegade and Compass PHEVs. That is, for the European market. However, according to Automotive News, there’s a solid chance they could grace our shores here in the U.S., as long as demand makes it so.
If it all plays out accordingly, Jeep will soon launch its first plug-in hybrid offerings. The concepts have already been discussed publicly and revealed to the public. However, they’re both advertised as European models.
According to Jeep, the Renegade will come first, with production beginning this year. Head of Jeep for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa shared that the Compass PHEV will come later, in early 2020.
Per Automotive News:
Both the Renegade and Compass plug-in hybrids will have an electric motor coupled with a gasoline engine, starting with the four-cylinder, 1.3-liter engine launched in 2018. In full electric mode both will offer a 50-km (31-mile) range with a top speed of 130 kph (81 mph).
The Renegade power output will range from 187 hp to 236 hp, depending on the gasoline engine. It will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 7 seconds.
Both variants will be built in FCA’s Melfi plant in Italy, at least initially.
Despite the fact that Jeep’s products as a whole — aside from the Grand Cherokee — receive horrendous ratings across the board, they’re hugely popular. So offering an electrified powertrain in these products could really push adoption.
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