In conjunction with the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari, Jeep is announcing a Jeep-branded EV charging network for its new 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Jeep 4xe Charging Network, operated by Electrify America, will provide Level 2 (240-volt) charging that’ll fully recharge the 4xe’s 17 kilowatt-hour battery pack in about two hours. The chargers will be connected directly to the power grid or use solar power. A full charge allows for 21 miles of electric range, and with 49 MPGe Wrangler 4xe adventurers should be able to tackle more miles on the trail using electrons rather than dino juice.
Jeep 4xe Charging Network stations won’t be in the middle of the city. Rather, they’ll be installed at or near trailheads, ideal for a quick top-off before hitting the trail. Charging at home or en route to the trailhead zaps EV range before the real adventure has even begun, and who wants to worry about using too much on-road juice when there’s so much to look forward to out in the wild? Beginning a trail with the assurance of a full charge is ideal.
Since covering every off-road trail with the 4xe Charging Network would be impossible, Jeep and Electrify America have selected Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trails. Jeep owners who check-in at a Badge of Honor trailhead via an app earn actual badges that can be affixed to the body of their Jeeps when they conquer it. The program was launched in 2013, and by the middle of 2020 consisted of 56 off-road trails across more than 17 states nationwide. These three trail areas will be prioritized to receive the first charging stations: Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in Pollock Pines, California; and Big Bear, California.
This project isn’t a far-off wish for Jeep and Electrify America. It’s happening now. The Jeep 4xe Charging Network stations at the first three Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trail areas are scheduled to be operational this spring. Additional stations at other Jeep Badge of Honor trailheads will come over the course of the next 12 months.
A custom mobile app by Electrify America will allow 4xe owners to log in, initiate, and monitor the free charging. Cheers to a new type of trailhead support.