Jeep Renegade Plug-In Hybrid Coming

There’s a raft of changes coming to the Jeep Renegade for the 2019 model year, but the brand’s run-down of the various alterations for the U.S. market didn’t include the possibility of a gas-electric variant.

That’s what’s coming to the model, however, as Fiat Chrysler looks to ditch its overseas diesel powerplants by 2021 and curry favor with green governments (and buyers).

On Monday, Jeep announced it had begun preparations for the production of a plug-in hybrid variant of its smallest model.

This should come as no surprise, as the automaker announced eight plug-in hybrid Jeep models for the American market during the June unveiling of its five-year plan. Globally, Jeep’s lineup is expected to gain 10 hybrids and four fully electric vehicles by 2022. Backing the automaker’s company-wide electrification plan is over $10-billion in development cash.

ALSO SEE: Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid On Track For 2020

Given former CEO Sergio Marchionne’s ambitions for the Jeep brand, no model in the brand’s lineup will remain untouched by electricity. While growth in Europe and China remains top of mind, the U.S. market isn’t exactly the most unregulated jurisdiction. A Wrangler PHEV is already in development.

One of the main benefits to rough-and-tumble Jeep purists of this setup, fuel bills aside, is the instant, measured, and strong torque made available by an electric motor, which could come in handy while rock crawling. Hunters might like the ability to arrive in the woods in relative silence, depending on forest floor material.

For 2019, the Italy-built Renegade gains an uplevel 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, good for 177 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4-liter Tigershark motor remains in the Renegade fold. No details exist on what kind of range to expect from the plug-in.

So, when can we expect a PHEV model? FCA claims the hybridized Renegade should launch in Europe in early 2020, though we’re almost certain to see it arrive here not long after.

This article originally appeared on TTAC.com