Hybrid vs Electric Vehicles

In the late 1990s, hybrid vehicles were first introduced, and the technology has progressed over time. Hybrid vehicles seamlessly mesh gas and electric power, using at least one electric motor, a battery, and an internal combustion engine. By prioritizing electric power, hybrids provide excellent fuel efficiency and only use gas power when additional power is requested. For example, the gas engine will kick on when the driver is climbing a hill or merging onto the highway. When decelerating or coasting, the gas engine is powered down, and the vehicle uses only electric power. Hybrid batteries are recharged by a process called brake regeneration, which turns the friction created by braking into electrical energy and sends it back to the battery. Hybrid vehicles are great for drivers with longer commutes, as they get impressive fuel economy and don’t require being plugged in.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, operate similarly to hybrid vehicles as they use gas and electric power. However, PHEVs use a rechargeable battery pack in addition to regenerative braking. Plug-in hybrids are essentially the middle ground between hybrids and fully electric vehicles. Just like hybrids, a plug-in hybrid prioritizes electric power until additional power is requested, enhancing fuel efficiency. While the batteries do require being plugged in to recharge like a fully electric vehicle, the vehicle can still be used after the battery is depleted, running solely on gas power. Most PHEVs, including the Jeep 4xe system, offer selectable modes, allowing drivers to choose between hybrid power, electric power, or gas power. This makes PHEVs popular for drivers with either a short or long commute, as they require recharging but can still be run without electric power.

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) uses only electric power, most often provided by a pair of electric motors and a large battery pack that requires recharging. Fully electric cars come with many benefits, most notably, driving without any fuel emissions. While electric power also provides better performance for hybrids and plug-in hybrids, BEVs get the best performance, as 100% of engine torque is available the instant the driver presses the gas pedal, providing an exciting, high-performance ride. Additionally, BEVs operate with nearly no engine noise and require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, hybrids, and PHEVs. The last benefit is that fully electric vehicles require much less maintenance than gas, hybrid, or PHEV models, as there are fewer mechanical components. Therefore, there is no need for traditional routine maintenance services like oil changes, spark plug changes, and fuel filter changes. BEVs are most popular among drivers with shorter commutes on city roads as they provide zero-emissions driving but require recharging.

Jeep introduced the new 4xe system in 2021, adding electric power to the Wrangler with a PHEV powertrain. The 4xe system uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine, one electric motor in the transmission and another in front of the engine, replacing the alternator. The electric motors are powered by an electric vehicle battery, recharged by being plugged in. This provides the Wrangler with 49 MPGe and the Grand Cherokee with 56 MPGe. Both models get 370 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Heading into the 2023 model year, the 4xe system is available to the Jeep Wrangler Sahara, Rubicon, and High Altitude, and the Grand Cherokee Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit. However, Jeep plans to roll the 4xe system out to be available for every model in the Jeep lineup by 2025.

Electric power is becoming more popular, and Jeep has thrown its hat in the ring with the 4xe PHEV system. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient, capable, and stylish SUV, then be sure to check out the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe here at Thomson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Right here on our website, you can read reviews about the vehicles, browse our inventory, apply for financing, and more. If you prefer, visit our sales team in-store to learn more about the models and take a test drive. However you choose to shop, we look forward to working with you!