Jeep Wrangler 4XE: How to Charge

 

One of the most popular and loved off-road vehicles of America started its journey back in 1940s with the name tag of Willys and started to evolve over time. The modern Jeep Wrangler took inspiration and characteristics of Jeep CJ-7 and got its original name in 1980s. The current generation of Jeep Wrangler is called the JL generation in which the main focus of manufacturer was on enhancing the efficiency and performance of wrangler, adding smart and latest technology and improving its capability on tough and off-road terrain with added features and body structure. 

The body of Wrangler is manufactured by processing high-strength steel, but most of the outer parts such as hood, windshield frame and doors are now made of aluminum. Meanwhile the tailgate is made of magnesium. Although the usual 3.6 L V6 engine is still offered, the wrangler now comes with a 4 cylinder turbocharged and a 3.0 L V6 diesel engine as optional. There are two transmission options, a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed automatic. 

The most interesting and enhanced trim is the 4XE which is first of its kind, an off-road plugin hybrid that is equipped with a 2.0 L turbocharged engine with 2 electric motors which enables an all-electric range of 21 miles and a total of 370 miles. The estimated and tested fuel economy figures of Jeep Wrangler 4XE stand at 49 MPG.

With the revolution in overall technology, the automobile industry has also seen rapid advancements in majority of its departments, such as manufacturing and assembling, metallurgy and refining, production of parts, smarter equipment and features, better on-road/off-road performance and engine technology and efficiency. The most important was the advancement and implementation of safety and security features and development of efficient vehicles that can save fuel costs and become eco-friendly. 

The automobiles started to become efficient with the introduction of hybrid vehicles in which an internal combustion engine is coupled with batteries and electric motors, which not only improves the fuel economy but enhance the power figures as well. As the technology advanced and environmental damage became evident, companies started to develop all electric cars that could run on batteries, without any fossil fuel combustion and carbon emissions. With this plug-in hybrid technology and electric cars, there arose a requirement of chargers that could be used to power and charge the batteries and charging stations on highways and roads to assist with the range extension and "electric refueling". 

Most of these vehicles come with manufacturer offered chargers which can be used to charge the batteries at home or even outside charging stations. Jeep Wrangler 4XE also comes equipped with two types of portable chargers with different configurations and charging capacities depending on voltage and amperes. 

When auto manufacturers design plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles, they keep in mind the real world circumstances and availability of convenience options for the consumers, who would be using these vehicles and ensure that the purpose is served well. Most of the chargers developed by companies are designed such that they are compatible with charging station networks and home based chargers. Jeep Wrangler 4XE comes with two types of standard chargers which can be used as per desire and functionality. The details of these plugs / chargers are as under:

 

Each Jeep Wrangler 4xe comes with a 120 volt, Level I plug-in system that is compatible with the conventional household switch outlet.

The other type is a 240V, Level II charger which is even quicker and safer. With the help of Qmerit, the approved partner of Jeep, this system can be easily installed. The Wrangler 4XE's battery can be charged in 2 hours with this type of charger instead of usual charging time of 10-14 hours. This system is revolutionary as it can reduce the time required for charging and make these vehicles more user friendly. The specs of this charger are:

FASTER CHARGING: This charger is roughly 5.5 times quicker than the cord-set that comes with the hybrid electric vehicle. This charger employs a power of 7.7kW or 32 amperes, which is ideal for all types of plug-in vehicles. It provides a 14.5 mile per hour of charging range which is a great convenience.

SAFETY CERTIFIED: It meets the safety standards set by government for electric vehicle charging stations and least hazardous of options available to the consumers, according to ETL.

CONVENIENT: It offers easy installation and flexible usability due to its compact size. The 25 ft long cable is kept neatly packaged with an integrated cable wrap and the included wall mount connector holster and padlock keeps it all secure.

RELIABLE: It meets the Level 4 standards of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) due to its rugged and completely sealed enclosure. Which enables easy installation indoor, outdoor and public locations. 

The electric charging port is located at the bottom of the driver's side A-pillar with a lid that can be opened with a push of a finger. The lid contains the instructions of charging and related hazards which must be kept in mind. The charging can be checked either on the tachometer or the color indicator around the port. 

 

The jeep Wrangler is equipped with a 17 kWh battery which can be charged with two available options of charger, either at home or at the public charging stations. It is advisable to use the services of certified partner of the manufacturer to get the Level 2 charging system installed.

Level 1 Charging Time: With a standard 12-amp Level 1 charging cord, it takes around 12 hours to fully charge the battery of 4XE.

Level 2 Charging Time: With a 32 ampere level 2 charging station, the 4xe can fully charge in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Which is roughly 5 times faster than the normal charging time. 

Are you in the market for an electric jeep? If so the Wrangler 4XE may be for you. If you would like to get your hands on one of these electric jeeps and you are located in North Carolina, contact Westgate Hartsville today. You can easily fill out the contact form below and we will answer any questions you have about the Wrangler 4XE.