Understanding Hybrid Vehicles vs Electric Vehicles

Hybrid technology has become increasingly popular over the course of more than twenty years. A hybrid vehicle is one that seamlessly meshes gas and electric power to provide phenomenal fuel efficiency. While driving similarly to gas-powered vehicles, hybrid car owners don't need to worry about plugging them in. Hybrid technology works by combining an internal combustion engine with at least one electric motor powered by a small battery pack. The electric motor supplements power and allows the gas engine to shut off while coasting or decelerating. The battery is recharged by regenerative braking that recaptures kinetic energy, converts it into electricity, and sends it back to the battery pack. Hybrid vehicles are a fantastic choice for drivers with longer commutes as they don't require any charging. Additionally, hybrid vehicles oftentimes provide more power than regular gas-powered vehicles.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV, also combines gas and electric power with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors powered by a battery pack. In a PHEV, however, you'll find a larger battery that is recharged mostly by being plugged in, while regenerative braking is still used. Think of a PHEV as the bridge between a hybrid and fully electric car. PHEVs are great for drivers with shorter commutes. However, they are popular among an even broader range of drivers, as they are able to run solely on gas or electric power. For example, if your battery is depleted or you want to save electric power for a later time, PHEVs allow you to choose a driving mode to disable the electric motors and only run the gas engine. Conversely, most PHEVs also have an electric mode to disable the gas engine for zero-emissions driving.

A Battery Electric Vehicle, or BEV, as you may have guessed, forgoes the internal combustion engine and runs solely on electric power, typically using two electric motors and a large rechargeable battery pack to power them. The advantage to owning a BEV is phenomenal efficiency and that, in most cases, it's cheaper to charge the battery than it is to fill a gas tank. BEVs are best for drivers with short commutes and those who spend most of their time driving in the city. Additionally, BEVs oftentimes perform better than gas-powered, hybrid, or PHEV vehicles, as the power from the electric motors is available instantly, providing a more fun acceleration experience. BEVs are also virtually silent as there is no noise from a gas engine. Lastly, BEVs require less routine maintenance than hybrids or PHEVs, as gas-powered engines require routine maintenance services.

Starting in the 2022 model year, Jeep has two models eligible for the 4xe PHEV system. The 4xe system combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine with two electric motors and a rechargeable 400-volt battery pack. This system is available for select trim levels of the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler lineup. The Grand Cherokee has a combined driving range of 440 miles, an electric driving range of 25 miles, and an average gas-equivalent MPG of 56. Meanwhile, the Wrangler gets the gas equivalent of 49 MPG, 21 miles of all-electric driving, and 370 miles of combined driving range. Jeep has plans to expand the 4xe powertrain's reach, offering a PHEV option to all models in the Jeep lineup by 2025. In the coming years, we will also see signs of a Jeep with a BEV powertrain.

As more and more hybrid, PHEV, and electric vehicles are popping up, Jeep is staying with the pack with the all-new 4xe powertrain. If you're interested in a new PHEV SUV, then be sure to check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe here at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! Shop our expansive inventory right here on our website or visit us in-store to take a test drive. For more information about the Jeep 4xe lineup, reach out to our knowledgeable sales team, who will be happy to answer any of your questions. We hope to hear from you soon!