Jeep’s First PHEV Grand Cherokee Unveiled

Jeep has unveiled its Grand Cherokee with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe signals the continued growth of the brand’s electrified mission of “zero emission freedom”. Available in the Grand Cherokee Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve, the 4xe propulsion system combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability.

Overall, the 4xe system delivers 371bhp and 470ft-lbs of torque and, in the Grand Cherokee, claims an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range, returning an estimated 57mpg (47.46mpg US) and has an estimated total range of more than 440 miles.

Its gasoline engine features direct-injection with a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head. Efficiency is enhanced with the use of electric power steering and an electrically driven air conditioning compressor, removing those loads from the engine.

The conventional alternator is replaced with a high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor generator unit. Connected to the engine crankshaft pulley via a belt, the motor generator spins the engine for fuel-saving, start-stop operation and generates electricity for the battery pack. A larger high-voltage motor generator is mounted in the transmission, replacing the torque converter. Two clutches manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine.

A clutch is mounted between the engine and the motor. When the system operates in electric-only mode this clutch is open so there is no mechanical linkage between the engine and the e-motor. When the clutch is closed, combined torque from the gasoline engine and the e-motor flow through the automatic transmission. A variable clutch mounted behind the e-motor manages engagement with the transmission to improve drivability and efficiency.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe carries a 400-volt, 17kWh EV battery. The battery units and controls mount underneath the vehicle, packaged under the floor and protected by a series of skid plates. The battery pack system includes a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for best performance. The system includes a dedicated heater unit and a chiller that uses the Grand Cherokee’s air-conditioning refrigerant to reduce coolant temperature when needed.

The 4xe system in the Grand Cherokee also includes an Integrated Dual Charging Module (ICDM) that combines a battery charger and a DC/DC converter in a single, compact unit and a Power Inverter Module (PIM) that is reduced in size. These are mounted under the body and protected with steel shields. All high-voltage electronics are sealed and waterproof. The Trail Rated Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is capable of water fording up to 24 inches. The system also boasts a 6,000lb maximum towing capability.

The charge port is beneath a push-open/push-close cover on the left front wheel arch for convenient nose-in parking at charging locations. The charge port includes LED indicators of charging status. An LED battery level monitor sits on top of the instrument panel, making it easy to check battery state of charge at a glance during charging.

Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand chief executive officer, said: “The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe driver can tailor its hybrid powertrain to suit each trip, from daily commuting in pure-electric mode to extended road trips with no range anxiety, allowing owners to explore nature off-road in near silence. This is another important step toward achieving our global vision of zero emission freedom. By 2025 we plan to offer a fully electric Jeep vehicle in every SUV segment.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_