4xe TEST DRIVE

[OrangeTJ]

Choice is good! Time will tell how this particular vehicle holds up and performs but I personally think it is awesome to be moving into the world of electric torque. Having a Tesla as one of our daily drivers, I am a huge fan of the instantaneous and near silent power electric motors can produce and can certainly see how that will improve the experience of a Jeep. Hopefully it proves to be a durable and reliable system!

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[Rockabillyroy]

My intention isn't to piss in anyone's Cheerios. Nor do I want to stoke a conversation on environmental sustainability. But I'm skeptical of any electric vehicle. Especially one that boasts off-road capability. It's no secret which side I fall on but I do have solar panels on my house because the sun shines in NM over 75% of the time so I did it for practical reasons not environmental and it's through this lens I view the 4xe.

1) What's the range on these things? How far can they go on a charge? There's many a times I've been out wheeling and stop to gas up on the way home. A couple weeks ago I was stuck in snow in the mountains for 4 hours and I had my JT idling the whole time for the winch.
2) How deep of water can one fjord with the 4xe? I'm not one to go plowing through water but if I need to I will. I'm not sure but electronics and water don't quite mix.
3) Can the 4xe take a licking and keep on ticking? Jeep is branded for one thing. Can the 4xe hang after some pounding on a trail? I'm not saying gassers and deisels don't break but are the 4xes more fragile?

These are some of the things I would consider before looking into buying one. I look forward to seeing these things in action to see how they stand up against the standard Jeep has set for off roading.

So many people questioned that Gladiator's off road capability when it was first announce. And yet, here we all are... hahahah..
Call me an optimist, but I'm guessing they had some fun with them before trying to sell them.

 

[ttn333]

I think it's pretty cool. Already planted the seed for the wife next vehicle. Maybe wait til the second iteration in the next couple of years to shake out all the bugs. Great for the daily short commutes and still very functional for long trips.

 

[marcwithac]

 

[redrider]

Well my Jeep salesman shows up at work today with a new 4XE High Altitude for a test drive. I was impressed. Finally power of what a Jeep should have. Told him to call when 4XE gladiator was available.

Rear under seat storage bin nixed but "Very interestink" (Thanks for the laughs, Arte!)

 

[Gren71]

10 minute drive-what else do you want to know?

how dare you come here without an in-depth write-up and supporting documentation. SHAME!

 

[Gladman]

Exactly - anyone buying these electric cars thinking they are doing something for "the environment" is being sold a lie. The technology is cool and the torque/power and other advantages this offers is certainly there, but the whole "electric cars are more sustainable" thing is total nonsense.

Look to the Ev’s already out there to see what happens when the systems fail, or, when the batteries need replacement. There is no recycle facilities in NA to currently handle these batteries. Will it happen? For sure.
Also, given the Tesla experience with fires, the last vehicle took 23,000 gals of water to extinguish. And there is a drought in the SW US. All of these things factor into a no go for me, and I suspect there will be a heavy price to pay down the road for these vehicles.
And the real kicker? It takes more carbon emissions to produce an EV than a convention IC vehicle. Couple that with the recycle issues and there is a ton of bullshit floating around out there on EV’s. Will they overcome all this? Yes, in 10 years or so, but the legacy to deal with product between 2015 and 2030 vehicles will be an outrage. And the manufacturer won’t be paying, you and I will.

 

[Rubiwoo]

that was a helpful informative video.

 

[XJADDICTION]

Well it’s a hybrid not a full on electric as is the Tesla.

I know so many hate the Prius, but I had the Prius V (a hybrid) for my Medical device sales route. I drove then about 800+ miles a week, got 44 mpg, with the rear seats out loaded with up to 6 total knee sets and implants OR 4 total hip sets and all of the implants, front passenger seat still open. That thing would Cruise 80+ mph. I drove that one 150,000 HARD miles.

375 HP and 470 torque!!!! Up to 50 mpg. That’s nuts!!

Diesel at 260 HP and 490 TQ!
Up to 28 mpg.

So my point is this hybrid stuff has been around a long time and it is very good. The only thing that I find hard to believe is up to 50mpg, and only 370 miles per tank. When the gladiator gets it, and it will, the range should be much higher.

 

[LordEnzo]

10 minute drive-what else do you want to know?

Oh, didnt kno so short, my bad lol

 

[marcwithac]

I'm not sure why talk about this always turns into a fight about the environment, batteries, etc.

The main thing should be this "375 HP and 470 torque!!!! Up to 50 mpg."

If it's reliable. Does it really get any better?

 

[OrangeTJ]

I'm not sure why talk about this always turns into a fight about the environment, batteries, etc.

The main thing should be this "375 HP and 470 torque!!!! Up to 50 mpg."

If it's reliable. Does it really get any better?

Exactly

 

[XJADDICTION]

I'm not sure why talk about this always turns into a fight about the environment, batteries, etc.

The main thing should be this "375 HP and 470 torque!!!! Up to 50 mpg."

If it's reliable. Does it really get any better?

Ford Hybrid Truck:
“The hybrid uses the EcoBoost 3.5L V6 and 10-speed automatic, along with a 35-kW electric motor and 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. That battery charges through regenerative braking, and the truck doesn’t get plugged in. The system produces 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque — both numbers the highest of all the engines — with a maximum payload of 2,120 pounds, and top towing capacity of 12,700 pounds.”

These Fords are expensive but it’s coming to the gladiator. Honestly, it will make the truck even better.

 

[halsjeep]

I test drove a 4xe last week. There is certainly no lag when hitting the pedal. I put a deposit down on a Rubicon 4xe. I have been trying to the math on mpg/range etc. My understanding is that you get about 21 miles on all electric on a full charge. I think range on hybrid is like 370 miles. I hit a snag on the purchase. I won't give up my Gladiator. So I might end up with both!

 

[Naugs]

Seems like a lot of people are worried about replacing the battery and their life span, but I’m excited about what Jeep after market industry will come up with for this stuff. Is their any other vehicle out there that has the aftermarket potential for electric like Jeep does, doubtful? Higher voltage battery pack swap? - sure would be easier then a hemi swap. Battery packs that look like Jerry cans? take my money.

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