The Eco-Jeep: Hybrid 4WD at 110 Miles Per Gallon

Green isn't new to Jeep. The first examples, after all, were olive-drab. But Chrysler's latest Jeep Renegade concept is a different hue from the inside out. The advanced propulsion system in the Renegade features two electric motors, each driving an axle to supply the legendary Jeep four wheel drive traction. Energized by a16 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack, the Renegade can travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone.

For longer missions, a three-cylinder 1.5-liter BLUETEC clean diesel engine kicks in to act as a range extender to allow the Renegade a roughly 400 mile range. Chrysler claims an equivalent gasoline fuel economy that's four times better than a similar gas-only Jeep, pushing 110 mpg. The small 115 horsepower BLUETEC diesel is also said to greatly reduce exhaust emissions compared to a gasoline-only Jeep.

Don't think that this low environmental impact powertrain gives up anything in the way of performance, either. The dual 220 kW electric motors deliver 268 horsepower, enough to propel the Renegade from 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. Once rolling, the little Jeep covers the quarter-mile in just 13.6 seconds with a top speed of 90 mph. That distinctive seven slot grille and Jeep nameplate demand serious off-road capability, which the Renegade concept delivers with a 4x4 system that includes low range and locking differentials. Those huge concept BFGoodrich tires are P235/65R20x7.5s mounted on 20 inch aluminum wheels.

The Renegade concept is a two-seat open-air roadster, riding on a short 101.6 inch wheelbase that allows a turning circle of just 35 feet, ensuring excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. Its stubby design allows for extreme approach and departure angles - the degree of slope you can traverse from level ground without contacting the bumpers - for extreme off-road conditions. The front approach angle is 44 degrees and the rear 52 degrees. Even with the large Li-ion battery pack, the Renegade tips the scales at just 3150 pounds. The battery is positioned below the driver and passenger seats to achieve a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution without intruding on the Renegade's ground clearance.

Though unique in many ways, the Renegade's overall image is pure Jeep. The shape is familiar and easily recognized as a descendent of the original half-ton Willys design, which, in fact, was also a two seater. The body features rounded contours with strong lines, yet still evokes the "flat fender" style for which Jeep is famous. Large wheel openings with exaggerated fender lines deliver a very strong overall look. Half doors feature triangular opening to accentuate an open-air feel that's also reinforced with a sporty cut-down windshield profile and stout roll bar. The cargo deck behind the passenger compartment can be fitted with variety of "lids," some of which have gear mounts for mountain bikes and kayaks. One configuration can accommodate two matching water scooters with storage below.

Built on a lightweight aluminum architecture, the Renegade was engineered with sustainable mobility in mind. Materials used throughout the vehicle needed solid environmental credentials to be considered. This selection process included both green responsibility during manufacturing and recyclability. The seats, for example, are made from one-piece soy-based foam covered with an all-weather scuba-like material. The Renegade's one piece molded body tub and chassis were created without using toxic resins. What looks like a stylish flat paint finish is actually a green color that's molded into the body panels to avoid the use of harmful solvents found in traditional automotive paint systems.

The cozy cockpit is a symmetrical design that can be easily manufactured for either left or right hand drive, depending on the intended market. As Scott Anderson, the concept's principal interior designer explains: "The Jeep Renegade concept's interior - actually the entire vehicle - is designed to minimize the number of parts necessary for assembly and function. We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes."

Once behind the wheel, you'll notice that the instrument panel is actually hollow and provides open storage. The steering wheel offers a circular LED screen that rotates to select park, drive, and reverse. Unique features include fluid-filled gauges with pitch, roll, and yaw indicators for serious off-roading. Ahead of the driver is a thin multi-plane instrument display that's complimented by a center swivel mounted center display positioned for easy access by both driver and passenger. For either highway or off-road adventures, there's a center console that incorporates a battery-powered thermal unit that either heats or cools food as needed.

While the Jeep Renegade concept is likely a stretch for the hard-core, rock crawling Jeep crowd, it's refreshing to know the brand has an eye on the future with a sustainable vision. We can't think of a vehicle more appropriate for an approach "in harmony with nature."