Electrified’s EV Feature Friday is where we hear about EV ownership from the owner’s point of view. We report each owner’s shared experiences on topics like charging and range to real-world reports on their EVs performance and reliability. EV Feature Friday is open to any BEV, PHEV, or hybrid vehicle. In this installment of EV Feature Friday, we learn about Chris’s 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV.

Chris Has Driven His 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Over 49,000 Miles

Chris’s occupation is in mobile communications, and he resides in Clayton, Ohio. He purchased his Wrangler new, thus he’s driven each of the 49,800 miles on the 4xe’s odometer. Chris purchased the Wrangler because it combined two things he wanted in one package. “I wanted to go electric, but I also wanted a Jeep Wrangler. The 4xe brought those two desires together.” And it does them exceptionally well. The 4xe’s powertrain includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an engine-mounted generator/motor that produces 39 lb-ft of starting torque, and a transmission-mounted traction motor that produces peak torque of 181 lb-ft. Under the second-row seat is a 400V, 17 kWh, 96-cell battery pack with a maximum charge rate of 7.2 kW. This powerful combination gives the Wrangler a total power output of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All of this is propelling an incredibly versatile and capable four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Aftermarket Lighting Lights the Way

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most modified vehicles in the world. Chris has made a few mods to his and there’s more to come. Presently, he’s added a variety of off-road lights to flood areas not covered by the stock lighting. The lights on the Jeep’s cowl are pointed slightly to each side of the Wrangler to throw illumination to the sides of the Jeep at night. Next up, Chris says his 4xe will soon have a suspension lift kit. This will help create more ground clearance under the rig and it’ll allow him to fit larger diameter tires.

Chris’s Charging Experiences

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe came from the factory with the capability of up to a 21-mile all-electric range. Chris says he completes the majority of his 4xe’s charging at home using a ClipperCreek charger. He says that he doesn’t customize his charge times because his power provider doesn’t offer off-peak rates yet.

Best Range and Longest Trip

When it comes to long trips, Chris doesn’t hesitate to point his Wrangler 4xe toward the open road. His longest trip so far is 4,596 miles over the course of a week. This trip found Chris traveling from Ohio to Colorado and back to Ohio. Since Chris’s Wrangler is a plug-in hybrid, it doesn’t necessarily need to be charged since the gas engine will provide motivation. Chris indicated that he didn’t charge his 4xe at all during that trip. When it comes to overall fuel economy, he reports that his 4xe averages 36.4 mpg.

Weather Extremes and How It Relates to EV Performance

Extreme temperatures can be a challenge for battery-powered vehicles. This is why technology is being used to moderate battery temperatures. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe uses a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery temperature at its sweet spot to ensure best performance. It does this by using a dedicated heater unit and a chiller to reduce coolant temperature when needed. Chris reports that his 4xe doesn’t always allow electric mode when its “really cold.” However, he notes that where he lives in Ohio it hardly gets cold enough for that to happen.

After 49,800 miles of PHEV Ownership, Chris Has Opinions About His 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

What does Chris like most about his Wrangler 4xe? Well, there are several things. First, he says, “It’s a Jeep Wrangler and I just like Jeeps.” Can’t argue with that. Second, he extols one of the virtues of a plug-in hybrid for long trips. “It is electric for my daily use but still can go the distance when needed.” Third, he likes that it offers full electric operation. “I can do almost all of my daily driving in electric mode.” Furthermore, Chris is a fan of the 4xe’s versatility. He says, “I can still pull a trailer and go off road.” This is a reference to the Wrangler 4xe’s 3,500-pound maximum gross trailer rating and some of the best production 4×4 off-road equipment and specs in the industry.

Best Part of Owning an EV and Other Opinions

What’s the best part of owning an EV? Chris says, “Clean and cheap operation.” And when we asked Chris which EV he’d like to take home, he chose the one he has. “Jeep Wrangler 4xe. I want a Jeep Wrangler, but I also want to go electric as much as possible.” But which EV would Chris want if money were no object? “I would like a full electric Jeep Wrangler, he says.” Well, it appears that Chris may have the opportunity to get an all-electric Wrangler. Jeep has said a Wrangler EV is on its way, maybe for the 2027 model year. If Chris gets one, we hope he shares his experiences and observations with Electrified’s EV Feature Friday.

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Electrified’s EV Feature Friday is a weekly feature that is open to any BEV, PHEV, or hybrid street-legal production vehicle. It’s an opportunity to read about electrified vehicle ownership directly from the vehicle owner. If you’re an electrified vehicle owner, you can submit your vehicle information and photos along with your EV experiences and observations by completing this online form.