Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid: Entering the Electric Range

The consumption and CO2 emissions of the small SUV have been reduced by 15% compared to the comparable petrol versions

Electrification is here to stay. And we have good proof of that with the Jeep brand, which has reserved the plug-in hybrid option for its 4X4 versions. The smallest in its range, the Renegade, has also just released a hybrid version, adding to the diesel and petrol options, and with this e-Hybrid, it becomes practically the gateway to the brand’s electrification.

It uses a 1.5-liter 130 hp petrol engine, with a 48-volt hybridization. The electric motor, which provides an additional 20 hp, is incorporated in the gearbox, which allows it to move in 100% electric mode to perform certain maneuvers at low speed, even in reverse, such as when parking, something that other 48V battery powered vehicles like this are unable to do so.

The advantages are correct, its 130 hp moves the Renegade well, especially in urban use, where hybridization is most noticeable when it comes to reducing consumption. As for the road and the highway, slightly more thrust is noticed compared to the 130 hp petrol models due to the torque contribution of the electrical system, but if we start doing our usual routes on this type of road, because of the consumption and performance we were able to stay with the diesel version, which gives us an approved consumption of only 5.1 l/100 km with 130 hp compared to 5.7 for the hybrid. In our test the actual consumption on the highway was close to 6.5 liters, although in the city the battery does its job and the average came pretty close to the approved 5.1.

The Renegade e-Hybrid range delivers a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to comparable petrol versions. And they also achieve the environmental label ‘ECO’ from the DGT.

Once off the road, we don’t have 4X4 traction, although the size of the vehicle makes it possible to navigate unmade or poorly paved roads and trails without much difficulty.

The combination of the combustion engine, the BSG and the electric traction motor allows the Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid in this test different operating modes:

e-Launch: Start the vehicle with only the electric motor, when starting or restarting for traffic lights.

e-Creeping: the electric motor provides the starting normally used by automatic vehicles, at a speed that can vary from 0 km/h to the equivalent of the petrol engine idling in first or reverse (for example, when maneuvering ).

e-Queuing: The vehicle can continue driving in a fully electric mode in a traffic jam, following a “stop and go” pattern.

e-Parking: Simplifies parking maneuvers, which can only be performed with electric drive, to ensure a practical and quiet experience.

In addition, by combining the work of both engines, new selectable driving modes are also offered:

Silent Start: Starts the vehicle without starting the petrol engine, using a silent all-electric driving mode.

Energy Recovery: Recovers energy that would otherwise be lost when the vehicle slows down (e-Coasting) and during braking (Regenerative Braking).

Boost & Load Point Shift: “e-Boosting” allows you to increase the torque sent to the wheels thanks to the electric motor supporting the petrol engine; in addition, by using the torque (traction or braking) developed by the electric motor, it is possible to optimize the operating point of the petrol engine.

Electric Drive: The vehicle can drive silently and emission-free, with only the electric motor, while the petrol engine is switched off.

Inside we find very correct finishes and high-quality materials. The design still reminds us that we are aboard a Jeep, with a very “off-road” aesthetic. But at the same time, the car remains ecologically outside the hybrid motorisation: for example, we have made mats and seats from recycled plastic that has been collected from the ocean and the seams are also made with synthetic yarn from recycled packaging. In addition, an organic vinyl has been applied to the upper part of the seats.

Engine: Hybrid petrol-electric 48 V or 130 CV

Consumption: from 5.7 l/100 km

Length/width (/height (in meters): 4.23/1.80/1.66

Trunk: from 351 to 1,297 l

Price: from € 31,200 (without the application of discounts or Moves Plan)

In Renegade, some of the black plastic panels and parts used in the interior also come from recycled materials, especially plastics used in vehicle headlights. As for assistance and driving aids, in the Renegade we have a lane assistant, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, parking assistant and a series of elements that allow us to have an autonomous driving level 2.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.