When it was launched, the Renegade e-Hybrid was referred to as the gateway to the world of electrified Jeeps. Today, with a wide range of Mild and Plug-in Hybrids to which the 100% battery-powered Avenger has recently been added, this version - which is not by chance called e-Torque - rather performs a task of 'connection' between conventional thermal models and those with more advanced electrification.
With a price that is lower, excluding promotions, of 11,000 euros compared to the 4-wheel drive plug-in variant, Renegade e-Hybrid allows you to make a 'green' choice (CO2 emissions approved are 128 g / km and consumption of 5.7 liters / 100 km) without the need to introduce in the driving style and life that change that is represented by the recharging of the batteries with the connection to the electricity grid.
In fact - as ANSA Motori has had the opportunity to appreciate in the test on roads and traffic conditions of all kinds - this version of the Renegade range uses the new e-Hybrid technology, which involves the combination of a 1.5 turbo petrol engine, a 48 Volt electric unit inserted in the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 0.8 kWh battery.
The latter, which has a capacity more than double compared to those installed on the so-called BSG hybrids, guarantees a true 'electric' experience without increasing weight and recharging, allowing a petrol engine driving at low speed and in maneuvers, that is, in very frequent situations in urban use of the car. In this way, the Renegade e-Hybrid reduces fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to the previous non-hybrid petrol version.
The 'electric section' - whose contribution is displayed from a special screen in the display - uses an integrated 48 Volt unit of 15 kW (20 hp) that delivers 55 Nm of torque (equivalent to 135 Nm at the level of the gearbox input) and which transmits the motion to the wheels even when the 1.5-liter turbo engine is switched off.
Look at the photos Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid
The latter is a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine of the Global Small Engine family (produced in Termoli, Molise) that delivers 130 hp and 240 Nm of maximum torque and works together with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A solution that improves driving comfort in the city and on long distances, helping the driver to assimilate that type of 'relationship' with the vehicle that is the basis of obtaining the best contribution from electrification.
At the level of gasoline units, it should be remembered that this 4-cylinder turbo has been optimized for hybrid application and achieve superior thermodynamic efficiency. Among the novelties are the operation according to the Miller cycle, the high-pressure direct injection system (350 bar), the increase in the compression ratio (now 12.5:1), the cylinder head with compact combustion chamber, the double phase variator and the new high turbulence intake ducts. But the Renegade e-Hybrid is appreciated - more frequently than expected - for its ability to proceed with the petrol engine switched off (and therefore with zero emissions and fuel consumption). This is thanks to a specific management software of the MHEV system that provides four Ev Capabilities which, it should be remembered, are activated automatically and without the need for intervention by the driver.
First of all, the so-called e-Creeping which provides the cue when the car moves from zero up to a speed equivalent to the idle of the gasoline engine forward or reverse. The e-Launch function, on the other hand, is used to start with the sole help of the electric motor, while e-Queueing allows you to move electrically in congested traffic following a stop & go flow. Finally, e-Parking simplifies parking maneuvers, making them practical and silent without the need to operate the accelerator pedal. Of course, e-Parking makes a decisive contribution when using the automatic parking system. All these EV Capabilities operate within the limits of battery charge status and power demand.
Without any need to plug it in, the new Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid continuously uses the 'autorecharge' functionality offered by the Intelligent Brake System. It is a mixed regenerative braking system - also electronically managed - that maximizes the recovery of kinetic energy during deceleration to constantly replenish the battery.
At the wheel of the Renegade e-Hybrid, which is a front-wheel drive, it is possible to increase the torque to the wheels with the electric unit that supports the petrol engine, a prerogative that can also be useful in more demanding off-road situations. In addition, thanks to the Boost & Load point shift function in the e-Boosting, it is possible to obtain the best operating point of the petrol engine by calibrating the torque delivered by the electric motor.
The list price is 33,400 euros.
