The 2021 Easter Jeep Safari is an electric experience thanks to the debut of some new ideas. When the Jeep brand and their performance parts division JPP work together, big things happen. One of their new vehicles hitting the trails is the Jeep Wrangler Magneto Concept.
Hitting the testing grounds in Moab, Utah, this Jeep EV is a fully capable rock-climbing machine. It is completely silent but it has plenty of pep in its step. Based on a 2020 Rubicon, the Wrangler Magneto looks familiar which is always a good thing for Jeep enthusiasts.
Despite the visual similarities, there is something very different about the Magneto Concept compared to most Wranglers. You will not find a combustion engine under the hood of this one. Instead, Jeep uses a custom axial flux electric motor capable of spinning up to 6,000 rpm to move the Magneto.
There is something very exciting for driving purists in this Jeep BEV, it has a six-speed manual transmission. The Magneto uses an innovative manual-electric powertrain with a clutch that operates similar to one you would use with an internal combustion engine.
To understand how it works with an electric motor, Jeep says it best, “In quick-shift scenarios, the e-motor engages regen upon clutch engagement to prevent rev-hang.” One thing is very clear, the introduction of a traditional manual transmission in an EV is a major step forward for the industry.
Taking a closer look at the performance numbers of the e-motor powering the Magneto reveals something comparable to Jeep’s Pentastar V6. The Wrangler Magneto produces 285 horsepower with 273 pound-feet of torque. Since e-motors are capable of delivering torque instantaneously, the Magneto will unleash all of it whenever you give it the beans.
Off-roading is where the fun is really at with the Magneto concept but it can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.8 seconds. An 800-volt system containing four lithium-ion battery packs supplies the juice.
What Jeep doesn’t run into water from time to time? It is just part of the adventure when you drive a Jeep. Thankfully, Jeep made waterproof enclosures for the most important components, maintaining the Wrangler’s 30-inch water-traversing abilities.
For chilly desert nights with open-air driving, there is even a small heater to keep passengers warm. All the classic off-roading Jeep elements are here as well including a 2-inch lift from JPP. The 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch mudders keep it rolling.
There are also Mopar Rock Rails, a steel belly pan, and even a Warn winch. A custom roll cage adds the perfect finishing touch for a vehicle that is definitely going to see some sticky situations.
The future of off-roading may sound silent from a distance, but you will hear an uproar when you arrive on the scene in the Jeep Wrangler Magneto Concept. Get ready for a new chapter of Jeep off-road dominance.
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