A plug-in-hybrid version of the Jeep Wrangler was spied during routine testing near Fiat-Chrysler HQ in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Its hybrid system could also provide a takeoff point to provide electric power in remote areas or rescue situations.

Jeep says any hybrid version of the Wrangler will retain its trademark off-road capability.

We don't need to remind our regular readers how the spy-photo game is played, but here's a quick refresher: Manufacturer teases or confirms a future product, as Jeep chief Mike Manley did with the Jeep Wrangler PHEV at the Los Angeles auto show, then refuses to elaborate or comment on said product for months. Rumors begin to circulate, culminating with the vehicle in question making a "clandestine" public appearance during routine testing near an engineering or development facility known to attract spy photographers.

The meat of the matter in these photos is the wrap that runs across the Wranglers hood and down each side. A small bulge resides on either side where the hood meets the fenders, which is likely covering the spot where we expect the plug-in port to be located, most likely on the driver's side. While the cover up alone is merely circumstantial, our spy photographer confirms that he observed the Wrangler traveling at speeds up to approximately 25 mph in EV mode for three to four miles before the internal combustion engine fired up to assist with motivation.

View Photos Brian Williams

Although the Wrangler may seem like an unlikely candidate for the PHEV treatment, its lackluster fuel economy numbers and their effect on the maker's corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) numbers make it an ideal contender. Though the obvious performance benefit is the availability of torque from zero rpm, Jeep brand marketing director Scott Tallon told C/D earlier that taking the Wrangler the PHEV route would be an efficiency play, adding this nugget on the end of his statement: “But what it also does is provide other benefits—it will allow us to leverage the technology in a completely different way.” By this, Tallon means the Jeep hybrid could possibly employ a two-directional system of sorts allowing it to be used as power supply for camping or a cabin, or as a power supply in an emergency situation. It seems that adventurers everywhere would appreciate the idea of having a significant power source in the backcountry that can recharge its batteries as needed via its attendant gasoline engine without the hassle of transporting a stand-alone generator and the fuel to power it.

Developing an entirely new PHEV system for the Wrangler could be prohibitively expensive, so Jeep will utilize the some of the core components of the the Pacifica Hybrid to reduce initial outlay. Tallon said that the components would be reconfigured for the Wrangler's very specific purpose. It's likely that the Wrangler will have different driving modes and software calibration tailored to activities like low-speed off-road travel. Tallon also said that the PHEV Wrangler would retain its rugged ethos and be able to ford up to 30 inches of water just like the standard Wrangler.

If the project remains on schedule, the plug-in Wrangler should appear sometime later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles auto show in November 2019, with sales beginning sometime in 2020.

View Photos Brian Williams

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