Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Wrangler Electric Vehicle (EV)

The famous “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” capability of the Jeep Wrangler has now an electric prototype in the form of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Electric Vehicle. According to Lou Rhodes, ENVI President and VP, Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrystler LLC, that this is in step with ENVI’s objective to “develop electric-drive solutions for every segment and for every customer.”

With the Jeep Wrangler, the automaker brings both fuel economy and eco-friendliness to a market segment where there is a high need for exploring the environment to the optimum. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV experimental model is a two-wheel drive although the company is also exploring its advanced electric-drive technologies with the viability of FWD, in-wheel electric motors.
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DaHarder - 1/14/2009 12:59:24 PM

+3 Boost

Bottom Line: No Jeep worth its mettle should ever be anything but 4WD.

Note: Very promising technology, but surely ChryCo can find a more appropriate application than this.

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/14/2009 4:30:11 PM

0 Boost

Thank you, my thoughs exactly. Why make a Jeep that doesn't go off-road.

downtoearth - 1/14/2009 5:24:14 PM

+2 Boost

What's more, in-wheel electric motors are genuine nonsense. Why do you think manufacturers make alloy wheels, aluminum suspension arms, upside-down dampers? To limit unsprung weight to the maximum since it ruins handling and also road surface load dramatically. And now they want to put rock-heavy motors in wheels. This is mierda.

Airliner - 1/15/2009 8:48:28 AM

+2 Boost

Perhaps Chrysler was thinking the USPS would like to switch back to Jeep. Surely they would be a great customer.

veyron1001 - 1/14/2009 6:23:03 PM

0 Boost

Jeep, a WW2 icon to a tree hugger electric vehicle.

richardposluszny - 1/15/2009 1:16:12 AM

0 Boost

I guess this is cheaper than designing an all-new concept. An "A" for effort.