Jeep PHEVs allegedly disable EV-only mode in the cold

American law firm Keller Rohrback is investigating claims from owners that their Jeep plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can’t use electric-only mode in cold climates.

It applies to the company’s first PHEV models released in the US, including the 2021-2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe large SUV and Wrangler 4xe off-roader.

The law firm is alleging Jeep misled buyers about their vehicle's electric-only driving capabilities due to the fuel and oil refresh mode (FORM) feature, which keeps the internal combustion engine running to protect it from low temperatures.

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It helps keep gaskets and seals warm and expanded, preventing gasoline from mixing with the oil.

This results in the EV-only mode being “functionally unusable for months at a time during cold weather", despite owners paying a price premium for the PHEV and its electric driving benefits.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV is slated to arrive in Australia this year.

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It will join the Grand Cherokee line-up as the flagship variant in shorter wheelbase, two-row guise.

The off-road capable plug-in hybrid packs a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with dual electric motors. Combined outputs are 280kW/675Nm and the 4xe drives all four wheels.

Up to 40 kilometres of claimed pure-electric driving range is delivered courtesy of a larger 17kWh battery pack.