Electrified Off-Roading Will Be Possible Thanks To Jeep Installing Trail Chargers

Jeep is bringing electricity to the trails. Up until now, off-roading and overlanding haven’t been electric vehicle-friendly. It won’t happen overnight but the automaker is hoping to move things in the right direction. We’re guessing the Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s underwhelming 21-mile all-electric range might benefit from this decision.

Jeep announced it plans to have Level 2 (240-volt) charging stations at select trails by the end of 2021 as part of what will be called the 4xe Charging Network. While some will be solar-powered, others will be wired directly into the power grid.

The Jeep-branded charging stations will be placed at (or near) Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trails which are trails Jeep specifically designated as some of the best in the country.

A few could be open as soon as this spring, starting with the most popular locations including Moab, the Rubicon Trail, and Big Bear National Park. Jeep has said there will be more charging stations coming this year, however there are no additional details.

“Electrification opens a new chapter in the Jeep brand story, and it brings an entirely new level of excitement and enjoyment to our enthusiastic owners,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer. “Key to making Jeep brand the greenest SUV brand is assuring our owners can enjoy the benefits of electric propulsion wherever they go, including the most iconic off-road trails in the country.”

Jeep is working on this project with leading public charging network, Electrify America. According to Stellantis, Jeep 4xe owners will be able to login to unlock free charging via a custom mobile app by Electrify America, which also allows drivers to initiate and monitor their charging session.