Jeep unveils a fully electric Wrangler concept SUV

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Jeep has introduced a new all-electric version of its iconic Wrangler sport utility vehicle, but consumers will likely have to wait at least a few years to purchase one.

The brand debuted the Wrangler ‘Magneto’ as a concept vehicle on Monday, meaning it’s a custom product usually built by car manufacturers to determine customer’s interest or show the future direction of a vehicle or brand. .

“It’s a sustainable, unapproachable, climbing power,” said Jim Morrison, vice president of the Jeep brand in North America, during a media event. “This is a draft vehicle with no emissions with a Jeep 4×4 capability being taken to the next level.”

Jeep drivers have said that each Jeep will in future offer some form of electrification, but that does not confirm an all-electric version of the Wrangler. The company recently began selling a built-in hybrid electric version of the Wrangler under a new ‘4xe’ moniker, a play about the brand’s offshore reputation combined with electrification. Plug-in hybrid electric models have batteries like EVs, but also still have a traditional internal combustion engine.

The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is based on a two-door 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. To make it an EV, engineers swapped its internal combustion engine and some supporting components for electrical components such as four batteries and an e-car.

The vehicle has a torque of 273 feet and 285 horsepower. The Magneto runs 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The company did not release the electric range of the vehicle.

The most unique thing about the Magneto is that it has a six-speed manual gearbox that does not require electric vehicles due to their cars. Mark Allen, head of Jeep design, said the vehicle has ‘the best features’ of an automatic transmission, but the ‘direct-drive’ feel of a manual transmission, which is a major attraction for off-road enthusiasts.

The Magneto was introduced along with several other custom or concept vehicles for the Jeep Easter Safari, an annual off-road event for the brand in Moab, Utah. Jeep regularly uses the off-road racing as a test field for the capabilities of its vehicles, as well as to determine customer interest in new products.

“The Moab Easter Jeep Safari has been a great tradition for over half a century,” Morrison said. “This is a place where we can connect with our toughest runners and those who are most loyal to our brand.”