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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has got the feel of a Jeep with the modern electric technology that will take you into the future with confidence.
This is a great looking Jeep, with all the great, big Rubicon branding we all know and love. That gets this vehicle a long way into my list of favorites, but it’s also got lots of modern brains and muscle that makes it a standout.
So let’s discuss the technology, which really makes it special.
The Wrangler 4xe is a PHEV, which is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a powerful electric motor and a gas engine. Its system is paired with a 2.0L I4 DOHC direct-injection Turbo PHEV engine. A 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, regenerative brake booster and eight-speed automatic transmission work together to send power and torque to each wheel, maximizing the capability of every component.
As you would expect with the Jeep brand, the battery pack is sealed and waterproof. This is ideal for off-roading like when fording creeks and streams up to 30 inches deep. And who doesn’t like to go fording when you get the chance.
The Wrangler 4xe is the industry’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a front and rear locking differential. This design feature provides increased traction by making it so two wheels on the same axle have the same speed.
Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid technology has an EPA estimated all-electric driving range of 21 miles, meaning you can charge up overnight or at public charging stations and get around town solely on electric power. The combined electric and gas EPA estimated total driving range of 370 miles opens up whole new possibilities for exploring off-road.
So let’s discuss convenience of charging, which Jeep handles in a great way. Every wrangler 4xe is delivered with a level I, 120 volt charging system that plugs into a typical household outlet. You can get an even faster charge with an available safe simple to use level II, 240 volt charger, like the Mopar-branded turbodx electric vehicle charger. The Level II charger can fully charge the Wrangler 4xe battery in about 2 hours compared to 12 hours.
The Jeep Brand is also teaming with Electrify America and establishing a Jeep 4xe charging network at no extra cost to owners. These charging stations will be powered either directly by the electrical grid or by solar panel units. They are being installed around the country over the next year near jeep badge of honor off-road trailheads including the iconic Moab Rubicon Trail and Big Bear vehicle rails.
To make the choice even sweeter, there is a $7,500 federal tax credit and maybe state and local incentives too to bring down the $53,505 price tag.
By far, this is one of the most interesting and exciting Jeep Wrangler Rubicons I have ever driven. You will think so, too.
