Stellantis’ Detour to Electrification
Earlier this year, Stellantis quietly dropped several plug-in hybrids from its North American lineup, including Jeep’s 4xe models and the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in. The decision surprised some, but Stellantis called it a strategic shift. Rather than sticking with plug-in hybrids, the company plans to bring back a mix of self-charging hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) instead.
The first sign of that new direction is the all-new Jeep Cherokee hybrid, a returning nameplate to the Seven-Slot Grille lineup. But here’s the twist that wasn’t announced last year: the Cherokee’s hybrid system might not be entirely developed in-house.
The Toyota Connection Behind the Scenes
A CNBC report notes that the Cherokee hybrid uses a powertrain from BluE Nexus, a joint venture between Japanese companies Aisin and Denso launched in 2019. BluE Nexus specializes in electrified powertrains, especially its e-Axle – a compact unit that packs an electric motor, inverter, and gears into a single package.
You’ll already find BluE Nexus tech in several Toyota vehicles. The e-Axle is found in the Toyota Mirai fuel-cell car, the Lexus UX, the C-HR, and even the Toyota bZ/Solterra electric crossovers.
For the Cherokee, the setup reportedly includes Toyota Hybrid System II hardware. That means it uses the same two-motor electric CVT you’ll find in many Toyota hybrids.
Stellantis
The Toyota Connection Behind the Scenes
If you’re not familiar with the supplier world, both Aisin and Denso are Toyota-owned. Toyota also owns about 10 percent of BluE Nexus. So, the Cherokee’s hybrid system has Toyota DNA running through it.
Stellantis has not formally announced that BluE Nexus components are used in the new Cherokee. However, the CNBC report claims that multiple anonymous sources within the companies involved confirmed the partnership.
It’s normal for automakers to use supplier-developed systems – transmissions, electronics, and more often come from outside partners. What stands out here is that Jeep is tapping into a hybrid setup that’s closely tied to a rival’s technology.
Hybrids Now, Extended-Range EVs Next
Stellantis is also working on extended-range electric vehicles. These run mainly on electric motors, but once the battery runs low, a gasoline engine kicks in as a generator.
The first of these will be the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer EREV. Unlike the Cherokee, this one leans on tech from Bosch, the world’s biggest automotive supplier.
Stellantis plans to expand the system further, including its use in future Ram pickup trucks. One upcoming Ram extended-range hybrid is expected to deliver up to 690 miles of total range when combining battery power and gasoline.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog