Jeep reveals plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe
Jeep has revealed the first images of its Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid ahead of its launch at the 2021 New York Motor show.
Unveiled at the EV Day 2021 held last week by parent company Stellantis – which was formed at the start of the year from the merger of PSA and FCA – the fifth generation of the Grand Cherokee will support Jeep’s plans for electrification.
At the event, brand CEO Christian Meunier said Jeep will have a fully electric 4xe model in every category of its SUV line-up by 2025.
The carmaker already offers PHEV versions of the Compass, Wrangler and Renegade.
No details of the plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Grand Cherokee 4xe have been revealed but it’s expected to be based on the Wrangler 4xe.
The new Grand Cherokee 4xe will also strengthen the Jeep brand’s vision of ‘Zero Emission, 100% Freedom’.
At last week’s Stellantis Day, the company said each of its 14 brands is committed to offering best-in-class fully electrified solutions and doing so in a way that enhances the DNA of each brand. The target is for more than 70% sales in Europe and over 40% in the US to be low-emission vehicles (fully electric or plug-in hybrid) by 2030, supporting Stellantis with plans to be a market leader here.
Stellantis also announced plans to invest more than €30bn (£25.8bn) by 2025 in electrification and software, and build five gigafactories in Europe and North America by 2030. It’s also investing £100m to turn Vauxhall’s UK Ellesmere Port plant into its first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing site, safeguarding the plant’s future.
Key targets by Stellantis include affordability – it’s planning for the total cost of ownership of EVs to be equivalent to internal combustion engine vehicles by 2026.
It will also work on maximising driving range and rapid recharges – both key to widespread consumer acceptance of BEVs – with vehicles that will deliver ranges between 500-800km/300-500 miles and with class-leading fast charging capability of 32km/20 miles per minute.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
