Electric Jeep? no we aren’t talking about some crazy dance step from the 80’s…we are talking about the real thing, a Jeep powered by nothing but electricity. Is it for real?Would anyone want one? Well, read on and you will see!

Until recently, the concept of an electric jeep existed only on paper. Most people thought that it would be impossible to make a functional electric jeep and that it was ‘folly’ to even imagine one in the head of an automobile engineers. That all changed when Chrysler presented a real prototype model of an electric jeep wrangler in Sept last year  that was fully functional and worked properly. It was clear at that point that it was possible to develop a Jeep powered by electricity…it remains to be seen if one can be made COST EFFECTIVELY, but it was proved in concept.

Then, if you stop and think about it, an electric Jeep might not be such a bad idea….sure, it won’t ’sound’ the same, now will it feel the same, but there is something to be said for electric motors and torque! Imagine crawling over rocks without revving up the rpms and easing the clutch…a big electric engine can give 100% torque power instantly, essentially at 0 rpm. Not bad at all from that perspective!

In today’s world, with oil prices going up and down like a yoyo and the tightening of the oil supply, Chryslers is hard at work on it’s ‘electric’ car strategy and the “Jeep” brand is working to produce an electric hybrid Wrangler, or Jeep EV. According to Chrysler, the Jeep EV Wrangler will be on sale from around mid 2010. The model will be a non gas guzzling and environment friendly version of Jeep.

The ad campaign goes something like this : ”Leave nothing behind” just took on a whole new meaning. The Jeep EV development vehicle infuses Wrangler’s go-anywhere capability with eco-friendly emissions.”

The Jeep EV model is bigger and wider in size than the earlier models. It is designed to maximize interior space and provide a high level of creature comforts. The chassis of  is also different from other models which makes for a more pleasant ride both on and off road. The Jeep Wrangler EV model will include a 60/40 split folding backseat for the passengers and thus it is able to deliver maximum cargo suppleness.

For promoting the sales of Jeep EV Wrangler, Jeep has decided to provide free car insurance to buyers. As all Jeep owners are either already know or soon will, the environment is changing and not for the better, and an electric Jeep will be one way for Jeep enthusiasts to continue getting outdoors without directly contributing to the environmental crisis that is upon us. Here is a link to the original Press Release Chrysler put out last year announcing the Jeep Wrangler EV.

The Preliminary Specifications of the Jeep Wrangle EV are:

Vehicle Type

Body style: Five-passenger SUV

Drivetrain:  Electric propulsion, two-wheel drive

and four-wheel drive

Category: Range-extended Electric Vehicle

Electric-drive System

Power:  200 kW (268 hp)

Torque:  400 N·m (295 lbs.-ft.)

Energy

Recovery: Regenerative braking

Battery System

Type:  Lithium-ion

Energy:  27 kWh

Peak power: 200 kW

Voltage: 370 to 410

Charging:  Onboard charger – dual voltage

110/120-volt outlet (15A)  – standard household power outlet

220/240-volt outlet: (30A) – household appliance power outlet

Performance

0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds

¼-mile

Acceleration: 16.5 seconds

Top speed: More than 90 mph

Range (city): 400 miles, with more than 40 miles all-electric

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Well, here are a few more wiring diagrams for Jeep Wrangler – this time for the Jeep YJ series years 1987 to 1994. The PDF includes ‘body’ electrical diagrams and Jeep YJ electrical diagrams for specific areas like: air conditioning units, typical jeep charging unit wiring diagrams, typical emission maintenance reminder wiring diagrams, front end lighting wiring diagrams and switches, heaters and ignition wiring diagrams.

This is a pretty low quality commercial from 1995 showing a Grand Cherokee driving in a wet forest somewhere on a mud road coming face to face with a water buffalo that won’t get out of the way…..stalemate for a minute or two, then slowly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee begins to sink…..lower and lower until it disappears in the mud. The Water Buffalo then gets out the way and after a pause, the Jeep slowly drives up and out of the DEEP mud…cool for its day.

Image via Wikipedia

Jeep Wiring Diagrams for different models seem to be hard to find or at least, lots of people looking for them, I have found one for the CJ Jeep Wrangler that is posted below. It shows the Wiring diagrams for I think all CJ models and all major electrical areas.

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2009 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2009 Hummer H3
I know this is a Jeep column and many of you dislike even the mention of the Hummer name, but to be fair, we do occasionally have to review them as (friendly) competitors (but all Jeep owners know it isn’t much of a competition!). So, lets take a quick look and compare the 2009 Jeep Wrangler and the 2009 Hummer H3.

The method will be simple, just look at the key similarities and differences between them – features, drivetrain, price, mileage

First the Hummer H3 – introduced in 2006 as a mid-size SUV, General motors leverages the same basic pickup platform as the Canyon and the Colorado (which is a big part of how they are able to keep the price down!)

2009 Hummer H3

Features
Available in three different models the Hummer H3 for 2009 is available with different trim levels: H3, H3x, and H3 Alpha; and in the case of the ‘Alpha’, a limited edition version with a more powerful engine. Addons for the Hummer include something REALLY funny from my perspective: off road suspension! What on earth else would you expect on a Hummer! oh well, I guess they know their market. Also available are roof marker lamps, a heavy duty lamp bar, colored front grille, locking differential, sunroof, a block heater for colder climates and a few other things including the obligatory fancy schmancy sound system.

Drivetrain
As mentioned above the 2009 Hummer H3 comes with two engine options and two transmission options. The basic models come equipped with the 5 cylinder 3.7 litre Atlas Vortec that delivers 242 horsepower; the high-end limited edition H3 Alpha comes standard equipped with a mighty 5.3 litre V8 that delivers 300 horsepower (although it is definitely geared more for the street than off-road – the V8 option is purported to shuttle the H3Alpha from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds….sounds a bit like the SRT gas guzzler written about previously to me!)

3.7L Vortec

Safety
The federal government safety group gives the 2009 Hummer H3 a 5-star much improved grade over the 2008 model year in which the 2008 Hummer H3 was rated “Acceptable” in crash tests from the front and “Poor” for rear crash tests http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=629.price and mileage

For a Hummer the 2009 H3 starts at a reasonable $30,000 (I bet you can get a deal on one now that the economy is in a shambles!) and GM claims it will get up to 16 MPG in the city

Comments

• “Antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, OnStar and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all H3s.” — Edmunds
• “OnStar comes standard with one year’s worth of safety and security service. After that, a monthly fee is required to maintain the service.” — Cars.com
• “The backup camera, also an option, almost becomes a necessity on the H3, as its already slight rear visibility is further compromised by the hatch-mounted spare tire.” — Car Gurus
• “If you’re drawn to the 2009 Hummer H3’s Tonka-truck buff appearance and can make use of its segment-topping off-road capabilities, there’s a lot to like here,” says Edmunds. “But its poor fuel economy, significant lack of utility and unrefined nature make it difficult to recommend.”

Now on to the Jeep Wrangler – The 2009 Jeep Wrangler is much like its previous models and has a decades long legacy as a true ‘off-road’ vehicle. The SUV is an off-road-ready vehicle and is available in four doors as well as two doors models.

2009 Jeep Wrangler

Features
Wrangler is equipped with a detachable hardtop or a foldable soft top a powerful seven-speaker sound system from with subwooder from Infinity, and a soft-top that can be partially open like a sunroof. In addition the 2009 Jeep Wrangler comes with an optional ‘MyGig’ infotainment system including a satellite navigation system and 20Gb of music storage.

Drivetrain
Wrangler has a 202 hp, 3.8litre cast iron V6 engine and comes with two transmission options, A six-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic and a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lb on four door models. The 2009 Wrangler comes is equipped with a 4:1 Rock-Trac four-wheel-drive system and a Dana 44 rear axle.

Dana 44 Axle

Safety
5-star safety rating

Price and mileage
the Wrangler achieves 15 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway.

Differences

1. The 2009 Hummer has the ability to run alternately on ethanol blended fuel E85 whereas the Jeep Wrangler is a gasoline only engine
2. Some additional features of Hummer which are not present in Wrangler are heated steering wheel, a wireless cell phone link, and a power tilt steering column.
3. The 2009 Jeep comes with only one engine option
4. The 2009 Hummer is not available with a soft top but it has an additional feature; The car has a foldaway mid gate between the cargo bed and the cabin and can comfortably seat up to seven passengers.
5. While coming to the safety features; both are equipped with traction control system, ABS and antiskid system. One major difference in safety features which makes Hummer superior to Wrangler is; Wrangler provides only front side airbags, whereas Hummer has both front side as well as curtain side airbags.
6. On the other hand, Hummer has a maximum towing capacity of 8000 lb.

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