another Wrangler rumor: Hybrid powertrain

[haven]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jeep/wrangler/90046/new-jeep-wrangler-could-get-hybrid-tech

Jeep President Mike Manley let slip that the 2017 Wrangler might incorporate a hybrid electric motor as part of its drivetrain.

Electric motors do have applications in offroad-oriented vehicles. An electric motor produces its maximum torque at zero rpm, so it might be able to replace the need for low range, particularly when Jeep is offering an automatic transmission with a very wide range. An electric motor at each front wheel could substitute for transfer case, front drive shaft, and front drive axle.

I suspect an electric motor will be a hard sell to the traditionalist Wrangler customer. But it might be desirable to a prospective Cherokee or Grand Cherokee owner.

 

[goodtimes]

Hard sell to the purists - but I'd like to drive one (off road) just to see how well they pull it off, assuming that they try it.

My biggest concern would be reliability, particularly the first few years. Imagine trying to recover one with a failed whatsit from the middle of the rubicon trail.

 

[zelatore]

Somehow the thought of electric powertrains and water crossings doesn't sit well with me.
Oh, I'm sure they have excellent water protection. It's not like electric cars of today don't run in rain or anything. But still, makes you think doesn't it?

 

[Eaglefreek]

A few years ago there was a company that had a prototype of an electric motor that they installed into the transmission or transfer case of a Jeep. I can't remember the details nor can I find any info on the net.

 

[RubiconGeoff]

If Jeep designed it for offroad use, and took full advantage of the hybrid's potential, I think it would be worth considering.

Hybrid Wrangler a Possibility?

We'd all like a turbodiesel engine, or an HCCI gas/diesel engine, but a gas/electric hybrid could be a decent option for a Wrangler in the near-term.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Hybrid model and another with electric drive motor(s) would be awesome! Bring it on Jeep (err Fiat). Every company's making hybrids and most are making electric drives and/or adding them to gas propulsion. It's time Jeep did it too.

 

[Bluedog225]

A few years ago there was a company that had a prototype of an electric motor that they installed into the transmission or transfer case of a Jeep. I can't remember the details nor can I find any info on the net.

I thought I saw an electric motor on a driveshaft with regenerative capabilities. If I could get 30 miles per charge out of an electric motor I'd almost never have to turn on my engine except for weekends.

 

[Septu]

I thought I saw an electric motor on a driveshaft with regenerative capabilities. If I could get 30 miles per charge out of an electric motor I'd almost never have to turn on my engine except for weekends.

I wouldn't even need that to never run the gas (as a DD). Well other than making sure I can run the heater. But I'd still have concerns over the reliability.

Personally I'd much rather get a diesel. My issue is that I have so much money into mine that selling it would be very hard. Especially as I've only put on parts I wanted (no short term get it quick solutions).

 

[dan0]

I think a diesel for the Wrangler first, and possibly try a hybrid power system in a different Jeep model first to get some of the teething issues sorted before moving it onto the Wrangler.

 

[cobra_4]

The only advantage I see to it is the benefit of added travel between fuel stops while on the trail, but how many years is it going to take before someone really trusts it enough to go deep into the woods away from celphone service or anything.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

I think a hybrid option could keep the wrangler alive for a few more years (in traditional solid axle configuration).

All of these rumours though are starting to scare me. The rubicon is already expensive enough. All of these options are going to make a rubicon start in a seriously lofty price bracket. Jeep will have to be careful that they don't overshoot the true wrangler market.

 

[Septu]

I think a hybrid option could keep the wrangler alive for a few more years (in traditional solid axle configuration).

All of these rumours though are starting to scare me. The rubicon is already expensive enough. All of these options are going to make a rubicon start in a seriously lofty price bracket. Jeep will have to be careful that they don't overshoot the true wrangler market.

You mean the soccer moms right? Because as much as we're out there wheeling and exploring with our rigs, 10x as many are using it solely as a 4x4 grocery getter. Honestly, we've been lucky that they've decided to hold on to the tradition (SA, capable offroad, etc) for so long.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

You mean the soccer moms right? Because as much as we're out there wheeling and exploring with our rigs, 10x as many are using it solely as a 4x4 grocery getter. Honestly, we've been lucky that they've decided to hold on to the tradition (SA, capable offroad, etc) for so long.

I was talking more along the lines of getting into the luxury SUV market where the grand Cherokee is already sitting.

You're right, you guys are very lucky that the wrangler is still sticking to its roots in 2017. The 90% of people who buy them who never even touch a dirt road has made the wrong decision in a vehicle in my opinion. I make fun of my friend for driving his JK because there's 6 JK owners at work and he's the only male and without children. At least his always the dirtiest...

 

[dan0]

but how many years is it going to take before someone really trusts it enough to go deep into the woods away from celphone service or anything.

That's why I think they'd be smart to test a hybrid powertrain in another model first. Of course part for part wouldn't be able to be swapped for use in the Wrangler but if a similar setup has been "proven" in another model first I think it would go a long way for prospective Wrangler Hybrid buyer to see, "Well the hybrid seems to work well in the Grand Cherokee, maybe I will buy a Wrangler Hybrid"

 

[Septu]

I was talking more along the lines of getting into the luxury SUV market where the grand Cherokee is already sitting.

You're right, you guys are very lucky that the wrangler is still sticking to its roots in 2017. The 90% of people who buy them who never even touch a dirt road has made the wrong decision in a vehicle in my opinion. I make fun of my friend for driving his JK because there's 6 JK owners at work and he's the only male and without children. At least his always the dirtiest...

Probably... but then they likely wanted something "different" then the Ford Explorer, Toyota RAV4, etc, or the minivans that the rest of the soccer mom crowd is driving. Plus, driving a jeep makes you look sporty or outdoories - or some crap like that. When it comes to vehicles there's emotional decisions as much as there's logical ones. If I was being logical with my jeep, I'd drive a smart car or some other tiny *** gas sipper as a DD, and either an old beat up jeep or a Suzuki that I'd mod, instead of a $45,000 vehicle with over 25k into it with my mods (which while sounds like a lot, really doesn't seem like it when looking at it).