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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• Jeep Patriot EV: A Conceptual Electric Missile From Chrysler [Detroit Auto Show] (jalopnik.com)
• Detroit motor show 2009: Chrysler’s electric avenue (telegraph.co.uk)

EarthRoamer is proud to announce the EarthRoamer XV-JP! Built on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited platform, the new EarthRoamer XV-JP combines Jeep’s legendary off road capability with innovative EarthRoamer design to create a vehicle with unprecedented capability.

This is one bad ass Jeep. You can view the comments over at JeepNewsNow and learn about more of the features of this cool vehicle.

The future of Camp Jeep is in jeopardy..

Jeep’s Marketing department, which funds Camp Jeep, is considering pulling the plug on future Camp Jeep events.

If you haven’t been to a Camp Jeep, hopefully you will still have a chance to do so in future years. Camp Jeep caters to anyone and everyone that loves to experience life behind the wheel of a Jeep. First and foremost, there are the trail rides. Other exciting activities include an engineering tent where you can ask Jeep engineers questions about your vehicle, round table discussions where you can voice your opinions about current and future Jeeps, tons of family-based activities (SRT-8 Driving Experience, Jeep 101 Off-Road Test Drives, rock climbing, mountain bike riding and pro MTB racing, skate boarding–hands on or watching Tony Hawk, etc…), air shows, live music with rockin’ concerts, a huge fireworks display, and so on.

Since I just got my jeep, we all need to sign this petition so that I can go next year.
Technorati Tags: puppy

Information from JKBoard.com and allpar.com have confirmed
pricing information by dealers on the boards that state
that the pricing for the Unlimiteds will range from $24k to
$34k.

Pricing on 2007 unlimited’s now available
4×4 x $23,500
Sahara loaded $30,650
Rubicon loaded $33,750

Here are some examples of the some Unlimiteds with options
Rubicon MSRP
The Rubicon’s Base Price: $28,235
Automatic: $825
Paint(Jeep Green) $150
Locking gas cap: $15
Sirius: $195
REQ, upgraded 6 disc stereo: $350
Tint: 300
Floor mats: $50
Power Convenience Group: $800
Trailer Tow Group: $220
Dual Top: $1585
Destination: $600

Total: $33,385

Sahara MSRP
Sahara base price: $26,075
Automatic: $825
Paint: $225
Mats: $50 Smile
Supplemental side air bags: $490
Trailer tow group: $220
Dual top group: $1,585
Destination: $660

Total: $30,130
Invoice is $27,978

Technorati Tags: 2007 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited

Of course, I am not sure why they didn’t bring the Wrangler over before the Cherokee. I would almost guarantee that it would be a bigger seller than the Grand Cherokee.

Riding on the success of its Jeep Liberty diesel, the Chrysler Group plans to begin selling a diesel-powered Grand Cherokee SUV in the United States early next year.

Chrysler CEO and President Tom LaSorda will outline the plan today in a speech to business leaders at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island.

It’s the latest push by automakers to offer alternative fuels in response to the rise in gasoline prices and concerns among new car and truck shoppers about fuel economy. Chrysler has become a major proponent of diesel engines and other fuels in the U.S. market.

Technorati Tags: CRD, Diesel, Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee

With the new rules changes passed by the department of transportation a few weeks ago, each individual car model will be forced to comply with federal regulations. What does this mean? It means that in 2011 the Jeep Wrangler will be forced to obtain a 28 mpg fuel economy rating. That’s not too shabby, but it is quite possible that in 2011 all of our vehicles will be powered by ethanol or something else.

Because the Cruiser gets strong gas mileage, the sport-utility vehicles with poorer fuel economy can squeak by the government’s mileage standards for a fleet.

But that is about to change.

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued rules six weeks ago that, after 2010, require vehicle-specific mileage standards. Until then, the company can choose to follow individual vehicle standards or use fleet rules.

Read the whole article
Technorati Tags: Jeep, Fuel Economy, Wrangler

Building Jeeps has some detailed images of the 4 door variant of the Wrangler.

There was a red 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and a green four-door 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon at the show. Both of which had half doors and no top. You could walk up to them and look inside and underneath. There was another red Unlimited with the hard top on display from far next to two beautiful Jeep representative gals smiling and waiving to the long line of spectators waiting to get a ride in a current Jeep.

JeepNewsNow found some very creative images of the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited with canoes and other objects on the top.

One enterprising person took the photos and “mounted them” for display. You’ll see what I mean once you check out the photos:

Last but not least, here are a couple videos of the new Patriot and Wrangler.

Technorati Tags: 2007 Jeep Wrangler, Four Door Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Patriot

As such, the new Unlimited boasts 56.7 inches of rear-seat hip room, 37.2 inches of rear-seat legroom and 46.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second-row seat and 83 cu. ft. with second-row seats folded flat; more cargo space than the FJ Cruiser, H3 and Xterra. But unlike those conventional, fixed-roof midsizers, the Unlimited follows the Wrangler tradition of a removable top. Claiming to be the only four-door convertible on the market, the Unlimited features a choice between Jeep’s all-new, three-piece Freedom Top and the innovative Sunrider soft top, allowing drivers to opt for open-air driving in less than 30 seconds.

Technorati Tags: Four Door Jeep Wrangler, Jeep, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited

Today, to announce the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the new Jeep patriot, the advertising folks at Jeep decided to call on the help of 6 tons of mud. When washed away the mud gave way to the new Jeep Unlimited. Afterwards the new Jeep Patriot received a little hazing by way of the attendees tossing mud at the new Jeep. This was definitely a great use of creativity on the part of Jeep.

Now that both new Wranglers are fully announced, I must start pushing to raise the needed money to buy my 2007 Wrangler. Look for new and inventive ways to accomplish that in the coming weeks.

Technorati Tags: Four Door Jeep Wrangler, Jeep, Jeep Patriot, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited