Jeep
has started selling its first ever electrified model in China in the form of a
plug-in hybrid Grand Commander, with GAC-FCA deciding on a starting price of
309,800 yuan (US$ 44,070) after government subsidies.
Power
comes from Fiat Chrysler’s 2.0-liter turbocharged GME-T4 gasoline engine,
working alongside two electric motors. Its battery-only range is 70 km, while its combined maximum range is an impressive 900 km.
The
joint venture between GAC and FCA, which began in 2010 as a 50-50 partnership,
also produces the regular gasoline-powered Grand Commander, as well as the
Cherokee, Renegade and Compass.
The
Grand Commander also features a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, stored
underneath the floor. The battery can be fully recharged in as little as two
hours using a 220V 30A charging station and the 6.6 kWh on-board charger –
although it could take as much as 8 hours using the car’s standard charging
equipment.
While
on the road, drivers can choose between four E-drive modes (Hybrid, Electric,
E-Save and Sport), using a rotary switch in the center console. Hybrid is the
default mode, while Electric saves gas for later use, limiting top speed to 125
km/h. As for the E-Save mode, it maintains battery, while Sport mode
gives you maximum output.
