Jeep EV: Plug-in Hybrid Study Hints at Production version

The Jeep EV is one of three electric-drive prototype models revealed today (see here) by Chrysler LLC. Unlike the Dodge EV that is equipped with an all-electric drivetrain, Jeep’s proposal that is based on the 5door Wrangler Unlimited features a hybrid system similar to the one used by GM on the Chevrolet Volt. What this means is that the Jeep EV uses an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. -Continued

The electric motor generates an output of 200 kW (268 HP) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque. Chrysler supports that with approximately eight gallons or about 31 liters of gasoline, the Jeep EV has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation. As for performance, the Jeep EV sprints from zero to 60 mph (96 mph) in 9.0 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 90 mph or 145 km/h.

Chrysler officials said that along with the Jeep EV’s hybrid drivetrain, the company’s engineers are also exploring an advanced system with in-wheel electric motors that will offer the Wrangler EV a four-wheel-drive configuration.

Jeep J8: Production Version Revealed in Germany

The final production version of Jeep’s J8 military vehicle was revealed at the “Euro Jeep Camp 2008”, a customer event that took place in Northern Germany this week. Jeep had shown a pre-production version of the Wrangler Unlimited based J8 at the DSEi military trade show in the UK last September. Powered by a 2.8-litre four-pot turbo-diesel engine that produces 150Hp and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque, the J8 is designed to meet the needs of both non-government organisations and government agencies. -Continued

In order to withstand heavy duty use, Jeep’s engineers reinforced the Wrangler frame allowing greater payloads – up to a maximum of 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs.). Other improvements include the Dana 60 rear axle with heavy duty brake discs and a new air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted air inlet that enables the J8 to ford water up to 762 mm (30 in.) deep and operate in sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.

Jeep offers the J8 as a two-door truck with an extended pickup bed or a four-door multipurpose vehicle. However, the J8 can be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand or left-hand drive. For example, the two-door version can be configured as a personnel carrier seating up to eight passengers

The Jeep J8 will be produced in the Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility in Cairo, Egypt, and will be available from July 2008. And no, Chrysler does not plan to offer the J8 through dealers to civilian customers.