Actually I read a report from an Australian who had both a gas and diesel JK and much prefered the gas. If I recall correctly he had problems with the diesel and wasn't even that happy with it's actual performance. Since he owned one of each and got to compare them on a daily basis..........

 

You've been lucky. Give it some time.

If they do switch to Cummins engines, that will be the wisest thing they ever do. They're great engines.

 

The reason you haven't heard about this, is because they were only available outside the US. Since the VM issues is a known thing, that may also be why they aren't letting them in the US. Better no diesel, than a crappy diesel.

 

I don't get what the problem is with an electric Jeep. There are no other engines that has as flat of a torque curve as an electric motor.

Ever hear of diesel electric Train engines? They use electric motors because of their torque. If they can make the gas-electric motor 4WD, it would be awesome. The idea of having 295 ft-lbs of torque at the get-go is pretty cool. And to top it off, it will get 45 miles per gallon.

Where is the problem?????

 

The problem with diesel electric or gas electric in a JK, or any off road vehicle for that matter is two fold.
1st is the weight, you looking at an easy 1500lbs more than a Gasoline or diesel specific jk when you add in the batteries, motor or motors, sheilding etc. And with that added wieght the added torque would sort of become null and void as it would all be used just to propel itself.

2nd is durability. You can talk all day long about how reliable electric motors are and you would be right, the problem is the batteries that power them. They dont provide the range for most peoples needs, they have extremley high maintanance cost when they go bad....and they do.

3rd and this is just my opinion. I would rather put several hundred tons of CO2 in the air that will eventualy get re absorbed and broken down by trees and various plants than to dump 600lbs of toxic waste every 4-5 years when I have to change the batteries.

When the auto industry can give us an electric vehicle that performs as well as a standard gas vehicle, has the same range, and can be recharged in a short time (not 4-12 hours) then I will be the first in line to get one. Now for those that live and work in the city or have only a short commute it might be the way to go, but an electric vehicle right now would leave me stranded and short of where I need to be.

 

Nope here is another one...

 

I don't know how the electric JK would work out. For example, the Toyota Highlander hybrid is 4wd but there is a limitation - no deep snow or sand. It'll burn the electric motor out!

I wouldn't put any stock in JP Magazine predictions. They've been right about predicting the future as much anyone else in this forum. They are guessing like everyone else. Granted, maybe a little more educated guessing, but guessing none-the-less.

 

I understand your point on the batteries. But the weight difference is not has much as you state. You don't need a transmission so that weight goes away. The engine they use is much smaller so you get some additional room there as well. You may be about 100lbs heavier in the end.