Jeep goes electric with Wrangler-based Magneto concept

Jeep has expressed its desire to go electric – in concept form at least.

The classic American off-road specialist has unleashed the Jeep Magneto concept car that is powered purely be electricity.

Created to celebrate the annual Jeep Safari across challenging trails in Moab, the Magneto is one of four new and three previously-revealed Jeep concepts being showcased this year.

Described as a “sustainable, stealth, rock-climbing force”, the Magneto uses the body of the iconic Wrangler two-door off-roader but replaces the internal combustion engine with an electric motor.

The axial flux electric motor has been custom built for its application in the Wrangler and only revs to 6000rpm, about half that of many e-motors.

It runs through a traditional six-speed manual gearbox complete with a clutch pedal, broadening its operating range and creating more flexibility and freedom in extreme off-road conditions.

Jeep also says “the e-motor engages regen upon clutch engagement to prevent rev-hang”.

The Magneto gets the same 4xe badging used to denote other Jeep electrified vehicles – including the Wrangler 4xe, Compass 4xe, Renegade 4xe and large Wagoneer plug-in hybrid – which until now have all been plug-in hybrid models (none of which are yet available in Australia). Jeep is planning many more 4xe models.

The Magneto’s single electric motor has been designed to provide similar outputs to the 3.6-litre V6 currently available in the Wrangler.

The output is 212kW and 370Nm, compared with 209kW/347Nm for the V6.

Jeep has even worked to get the e-motor matching the driving characteristics of the V6, adding that “during moderate driving, the performance difference between the V6 and the Magneto’s unique manual-electric powertrain is negligible except for near-silent operation”.

That said, Jeep says when required the full 370Nm torque thrust can be accessed far quicker than the V6, allowing the all-electric Wrangler to hit 60mph (96km/h) in 6.8 seconds.

Like the newest EVs on the market and those soon-to-arrive – including the Porsche Taycan, Audi RS e-Tron, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 – the Magneto concept uses an 800V electrical system for faster charging.

There are four battery packs distributed around the car to optimise weight distribution, each filling the space of components normally fitted in a petrol engine vehicle. Combined those batteries have a a capacity of 70kWh.

A charging plug is included on the left-hand side just behind the bonnet.

Along with other 4WD manufacturers, Jeep has long said electric motors would improve off-road ability.

And Jeep has worked to maintain the Wrangler’s legendary capability.

A waterproof enclosure looks after the batteries and battery control module.

And in true Jeep form there have been modifications made to the suspension. It has been raised by two inches (almost 50mm) and chunky 35-inch mud terrain tyres fitted. There are rock rails, steel bumpers and a Warn winch, as well as steel under-body protection to fend of hits with Mother Nature.

No word on when – or if – the Magneto concept could spawn an electric Jeep in the showrooms.

But clearly Jeep is thinking electric.

One of the big challenges will be ensuring the Wrangler – or Magneto – can continue to solider on a long way from an EV charging point.