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As people have become more concerned about the impact of their vehicles on the environment, electric and hybrid vehicles have become more commonplace in our society. One company that is moving with these changes is Jeep, which is taking steps to meet environmental concerns without sacrificing vehicle performance. Read below to find out how the rise of electric vehicles is changing Jeep products. Jeep’s 4xe Hybrid Technology One way that the rise of electric vehicles has changed Jeep products is with the addition of 4xe hybrid vehicles, which combine gas engines with electric motors. These give drivers benefits such as full horsepower, immediate torque, and quick acceleration, while also meeting their needs for energy efficiency. Driving Modes Some of the energy-efficient features of the 4xe hybrid line are the different driving modes that you can choose from. For example, users can opt for the default hybrid mode when driving. This mode combines torque from its electric motor and its PHEV powertrain with a 2.0-liter DOHC DI Turbo 14 engine. In Hybrid mode, the vehicle uses electric power first, but it will add power from the turbocharged engine once the battery reaches a lower state of charge. Another option is the electric mode, which allows you to use only electric power as you travel over short distances. This mode also gives you the advantage of nearly no tailpipe emissions, even as you travel at highway speeds. The Wrangler 4xe, for example, can travel in electric mode for up to 21 miles after you have completely charged it. Finally, the 4xe vehicles also offer you an e-save mode, allowing you to use gasoline and save your battery charge if it gets low. If your power demand is low, the engine will turn off, but you can reconfigure your Jeep to boost your battery charge. A Powerful Battery The 4xe vehicles also have batteries that keep their drivers’ environmentally conscious needs in mind. Each one has a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery that the company has built for users traveling to faraway locales. It allows drivers to travel through areas with an almost silent performance when they have their vehicles in electric mode. In addition, the vehicles protect the batteries in case they get wet. Each vehicle has its battery in a waterproof casing that allows it to travel through bodies of water of up to 31.5 inches in depth. Therefore, the 4xe vehicles can perform safely when traveling through rugged, harsh conditions. Lastly, drivers of 4xe vehicles have many options when it comes to recharging their batteries. They can get a two-hour charge with Level II chargers, which they can install in their homes. Or they can use Level I chargers, which take 12 hours to charge batteries and can plug into home outlets. Owners of 4xe vehicles can also charge the batteries with the Max Regeneration feature, which helps recharge through decelerations and breaking. The feature allows drivers to use their accelerator pedals to direct aggressive regeneration at pedal positions. Fully Electric Vehicles Another way that the rise of electric vehicles is changing Jeep products is that it is driving the introduction of fully electric vehicles. After enjoying success with its hybrid vehicles, Jeep plans to launch multiple new models to achieve its goal of Zero Emission Freedom. The Wagoneer S The new models include the Wagoneer S, which will provide high-quality style, interior features, and all-weather performance while being fully electric. The S in the vehicle’s name stands for speed, striking, and sexy. Regarding speed, the new Wagoneer will provide travelers with zero-to-sixty in 3 1/2 seconds and will give drivers up to 600 horsepower and 400 miles of estimated range. When it comes to being striking, the new Wagoneer will feature a forward-leaning face with an ambient, LED-lit grille that also reinterprets the company’s vertical elements. Finally, when it comes to being sexy, Jeep has designed the Wagoneer with body lines that highlight the Wagoneer’s profile. The company has also redesigned the vehicle’s roof with a hovering wing that supports two D pillars. Jeep Wrangler Jeep also plans to expand the success it has enjoyed with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe with fully electric models across its entire portfolio by the end of 2025. These will include four all-electric vehicles with a combined range of more than 500 miles and the ability to travel from New York City to Toronto on a single charge. That will be a bonus for those who are looking to save time between charges. Jeep Recon Another addition that Jeep will make to its line will be the Jeep Recon, designed for on- and off-road explorers who are looking for a fully electric option. Its designers took inspiration from the Jeep Wrangler and made it so travelers can enjoy open-air trips with its removable doors and windows. The Recon, along with the Wagoneer S, will be available in the United States in 2024. Opportunities for Credits The rise of electric vehicles has also changed Jeep by giving vehicle owners more opportunities to earn credits. For example, when a person buys a 4xe vehicle, they can qualify for up to $7,500 in tax credits and local incentives. By thinking green in your next Jeep purchase, you may have the chance to earn a financial reward. Commitment to Customers Jeep is also focused on helping customers keep their vehicles charged. Currently, the company is creating a Jeep 4xe charging network across America for its vehicle owners. The stations will enable customers to power up and stay powered on their travels, even in remote destinations that include Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trailheads. Overall, these new changes to Jeep vehicles will give you the satisfaction of having less of an impact on the environment while also enjoying adventures in your Jeep. If you haven’t already, now might be the time to seriously consider purchasing a hybrid or one of the new fully electric vehicles when they hit the market. And if you need Jeep JK aftermarket parts for your hybrid vehicle, contact us at AM Off-Road. Our broad selection can help you customize your vehicle to keep it safe and looking good as you travel through new destinations on- or off-road.

So, you’re looking to plan a trip to Costa Rica? Here are some fun facts to help you plan your itinerary. Costa Rica sits comfortably between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America and is home to a little over 5 million people, with over 50,000 of those being American ex-pats. It has long been touted as one of the most biologically diverse and beautiful countries in the region and is home to an astonishing array of wildlife. Unlike Mexico, its famous cousin to the north, Costa Rica is not known for its ancient ruins, varied cuisine, or artisan crafts but instead a trip there focuses on the gorgeous jungle scenery, a wide range of adventure activities, stunning beaches, and over 500,000 species of animals. Each bend in the road brings yet another vista that will have you brandishing your camera to capture the scene. The third smallest country in Central America, Costa Rica covers a little over 19,000 square miles. The topography ranges from mountains topping 10,000 feet and drops to sea level on both the Caribbean and Pacific with over 800 miles of coastline. Even more impressive for such a small country, Costa Rica features 28 national parks as well as three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. San Jose, the capital city of around 1,500,000, sits near the center of the country at an elevation of nearly 4000 feet and experiences a pleasant climate year-round. Most travelers will land at the main international airport of Juan Santamaria located in the small city of Alajuela 20 km west of the capital city, although there are also international flights available at the Liberia airport set 210 km northwest of San Jose. Although distances in the country are short, winding roads and elevation changes can create long travel days, and it’s not a bad idea to fly into one airport and out of the other if you’re looking to check out several areas of the country. Along with its diversity of wildlife, the landscape of the country also varies dramatically from one area to the next. The Caribbean coast features a hot and humid climate, dense mangrove swamps, and a rich culture all its own. Much of the center of the country south of San Jose is where the highest elevations occur with the road south along the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range occasionally causing altitude sickness for those hiking in the national parks. The Pacific Coast climate tends to be warm year-round with only a small variance between summer and winter. Planning for a vacation to Costa Rica should certainly include some consideration of the wet and dry seasons. While the country is in the normal hemisphere you’ll find that the locals, known as Tico’s. refer to the “green” rainy season from May to November as winter and the dry season of December to April as summer. Having said that, there are actually 12 different climate zones across the country as well as a mystifying number of sub-climates so it’s good to assume that whenever you visit, you WILL experience some rain. One exception is the Caribbean coast in September and October which is the driest period and the time to see the turtles hatching! Be prepared for the somewhat surprising cost of nearly everything once you arrive in the country, especially compared to its neighboring countries. Prices in the main tourist regions and the capital can easily be similar to prices within the USA while smaller, less touristed towns are more reasonable. Eating at sodas, the local typical restaurant helps with the budget and is where you’ll find some of the best food in the country. Imperial, the National beer did not impress us but craft breweries are sweeping the country if you’re looking for more variety although at prices similar to the USA. Travelers have the option of taking public transportation which is available throughout the country but renting a car is the more popular option and certainly gives the opportunity to explore at will. In a later post, I’ll go over our experience highlighting what to be aware of. Overall, Costa Rica surprised us on several levels and we can’t wait to share more about this beautiful country. The post Costa Rica ~ First the Facts appeared first on The Next Big Adventure. View the full article