Weekly Slideshow: Efficient and Eco-conscious Design Choices in the Jeep Wrangler
Almost no one aims to get an offroader if they're aiming for a light eco-footprint. However, there are more green design designs in the Jeep Wrangler than you may have first thought.
1. The Jeep Wrangler's got a surprisingly green record
Who knew? An American third-party firm called CNW Marketing Research once famously declared about 10 years ago that the Wrangler was one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles you buy, even beating out hybrids that build their marketing around as much.
A lot has changed in the decade since of course, but the statement still sparks a lot of intrigue. The Jeep Wrangler certainly isn't known too much for being eco-conscious. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why the panel at CNW may have been onto something.
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2. You can thank the Wrangler's efficient construction
One thing some eco-conscious drivers do not consider is the significant amount of pollution that results from manufacturing a single vehicle. That said, the Jeep has always been remarkably efficient and easy to produce. This efficient factory assembly is why CNW made the seemingly wild claim that the Wrangler was four times less eco-damaging than the Toyota Prius. In addition, while overflow assembly is now delegated to a Fiat plant in Italy, Jeep's factory operations have been predominantly U.S. focused; this significantly reduces the pollution from logistics during the manufacturing process.
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3. Expect upcoming eco-diesel and plug-in options
If you're part of the Green Team, the Wrangler's upcoming 4th Generation has got some real treats in store for you. There's an EcoDiesel fuel-flex Wrangler slated for wide release in 2019 and a bona fide plug-in hybrid for 2020. Fuel options go a long way towards lowering the eco-footprint.
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4. The Wrangler's been given the full EV treatment before.
Way back in 2008, Jeep created a fully electrified Wrangler Unlimited. Although it's going to take until 2020 for the company to really throw their lot in with sustainable hybrid models, there are third-party outfitters who have found the Wrangler to be a perfect foundation for an EV. 2018 will mark the first year that will full-electric practical off-roader will be made available to the public.
The B1 Sports Utility Truck from Bollinger Motors is showing future outfitters how it's done. With 360 horsepower and a 200-mile range, there's good reason to believe the time's finally coming for this technology.
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5. An eight-speed automatic transmission improves efficiency
Major automakers have been sating the desire for more efficient vehicles lately and we're happy to see it. An eight-speed auto transmission is just one of the ways that the latest Wrangler has been able to make the most of the energy it uses. Take that along with the EcoDiesel engine and it's clear the engineers at Jeep have been thinking green. Even if most of the eco-enhancements are too slight to notice casually, every little bit will help us breathe easier at the end of the day.
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6. Jeep Wranglers are built to last
The durability and ruggedness of a Jeep lessen its environmental footprint, albeit indirectly. If a Jeep remains in use for a long time, it inadvertently saves the grimy manufacture of a new one. True to the claim CNW Marketing Research made in the first place, the manufacture of vehicles creates significant pollution.
Not only are Wranglers long-lasting; they've also got that timeless charm that keeps them afloat with the contemporary aesthetic. This makes people more likely to keep the Wrangler they have, or go to the market for a used model. There's a sad case with many cars where they seem to be designed with planned obsolescence in mind. A car that breaks down and needs a lot of waste.
If you're judging things mile-or-mile, the Wrangler's obviously not going to look eco-pristine outside of its alt-fuel models. Taking the bigger picture into frame though, and we've got ourselves a bit of an unlikely hero.
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