The 4xe driveline is becoming a huge part of Jeep’s electrified future. This is a new reality that could make your off-roading experience a much better one.
We know that there is some pushback from our customers about the idea of an electrified Jeep. We recently had some experience in an off-road course in Wisconsin to get a better idea on how the 4xe system works.
In the Wrangler and the upcoming Grand Cherokee, the 4xe system is a plug-in hybrid that signals Jeep’s mission of “Zero Emission Freedom.” The immediate benefit is not just to encourage 4xe owners to use their vehicles everywhere without possibly using a drop of gasoline, but to do so without sending exhaust gasses into the air when you are in natural habitats, such as our state and national forests and parks.
4xe Changes The Game
The 4xe system offers 20-25 miles of all-electric range. These drivelines are also powerful with combined performance numbers up to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. These are numbers that make the difference when you are up against some tough terrain due to weather and surface conditions. The 4xe uses the Quadra Trac II 4×4 system and its two-speed transfer case offering a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and a 47.4:1 crawl ratio.
The key to this driveline is on the left of you. There are three buttons to choose from that make up the 4xe E Selec modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. These modes will enable the 4xe electrification system to play a significant role in your off-road experience. Hybrid blends the torque from the gasoline engine and the electric motor, optimizing both to deliver the best combination between efficiency and performance. Putting the 4xe into Electric mode will give you a zero-emission experience using only the battery to fuel your drive. When the battery is at a minimum charge, the gasoline engine will be engaged for the rest of your drive.
Perhaps the best thing about using the electric mode off-road is the lack of noise. As you drive down a trail, you can truly hear the silence around you. Or, if you are negotiating with a technical bit you can hear your spotter without the need for a radio.
The eSave mode prioritizes the gasoline engine, saving the battery for later use. You can choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge in this mode through the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect screens.
You can also enable Max ReGen, which gives you optimal braking recovery of energy back to the battery. That will save you from having to look for a charging station when you are miles away from the nearest one. You can use your charging pack that will be able to plug into a 110-120-volt receptacle when you need some extra battery juice on the fly.
The benefit of using the 4xe system in various terrain and climate conditions is the ability to drive without using as little fuel onboard to accomplish what you need to do. You can get through technical off-road courses by using battery power alone. You can also deal with snow and ice during the tough winters we experience in the Twin Ports area without using a drop of fuel.
It all comes down to your Jeep’s venerable four-wheel-drive system. This is the most important part of the equation that keeps you going wherever you are.
The 4xe driveline is available on the Jeep Wrangler right now. It will be added to the all-new two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee soon. Contact us at Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to order your electrified Jeep today!
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