Yahoo Autos Jeep Renegade Plug-In Hybrid Will Be Built in Italy Starting in 2020
Jeep has announced that it will come out with a plug-in-hybrid version of the subcompact Renegade SUV in early 2020. The plug-in will be built at the same Melfi, Italy, plant that currently produces the Renegade and the Fiat 500X, to which the Jeep is closely related. Since its introduction in 2014, more than 742,000 Renegades have been built at the Melfi plant, with every U.S.-bound Renegade coming from the Italian factory. The new powertrain is bringing a nearly $230 million investment in the factory, with more workers to be hired and the whole plant to be modernized in preparation for the launch.
While Jeep has not provided any details on the engine or hybrid system that the Renegade plug-in hybrid will use, the automaker says that it will be produced alongside standard Renegades. The Renegade was just face-lifted for 2019, gaining a new turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that slots in above the standard naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four; that new turbo four could be the basis of the new plug-in system.
The Renegade will be one of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' only plug-in hybrids, with the Chrysler Pacifica minivan being its first production foray into the plug-in realm and the only PHEV currently available from FCA. But the Renegade won't be Jeep's only plug-in for long, as Mike Manley-now CEO of FCA-said last year that a Wrangler plug-in hybrid will be launched in 2020. As part of its new five-year plan, FCA has said that it will offer 12 different electrified powertrains by 2022, with 30 models to be offered with at least one of four systems: mild hybrid (like the 48-volt system in the Ram eTorque pickups), full hybrid (like a Prius), plug-in hybrid, or EV. When it comes to Jeep specifically, the brand is aiming to have 10 plug-in hybrids and four fully electric offerings by 2022.
Jeep has not announced whether the Renegade plug-in hybrid will be sold in the United States, but given FCA's plans for the brand and its electrified future, it seems like a sure bet. C/D has reached out to Jeep for comment and will update this story accordingly.
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