Detroit show: Jeep Renegade

A POSSIBLE pointer to a future light 4WD from the all-American off-road brand, the Jeep Renegade uses two 200kW electric motors fed by a lithium-ion battery.

One of the motors powers the front axle while the second powers the rear. Just like the Chrysler ecoVoyager also unveiled in Detroit, the Renegade has a base range of 64km when running only on electric power.

It also carries a 1.5-litre three-cylinder Bluetec diesel generator, which means the Renegade can run for 644km before a refuel. Jeep says that even when also using diesel power in addition to its electric motors, the Renegade still uses four to five times less fuel than an equivalent petrol-powered model.

The electric-diesel powertrain set-up is linked to a 4WD system that includes low-range and front and rear locking differentials for serious rock crawling.

Classified a B-segment car, the Renegade seats two people and has an open top with a rollcage. It features oversized wheels, flared wheelarches and a cut-down windscreen.

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