Jeep on Thursday unveiled another version of its Magneto electric Wrangler concept as it moves toward rolling out its first production EVs to the United States.
Like its predecessors, the Jeep Magneto 3.0 concept car was unveiled alongside several other concept cars at the annual Easter Jeep Safari Festival in Moab, Utah. Inspired by Wrangler Jeep Recon EV coming to North America in 2024, along with the electric Wagoneer S, the latest version of the Wrangler-based Magneto that can preview elements of that production model.
Crafted from a reduced 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Magneto 1.0 concept model launches in 2021 as a discover Jeep’s electric vehicle identity, powered by a custom shaft flux motor connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. Power was originally 285 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, but that power has increased to 625 hp and 850 lb-ft for Magneto 2.0 . Concept launched in 2022.
Concept Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0
Updates to the Magneto 3.0 include a new, more efficient engine and an updated program that increases usable energy and range by 20%, Jeep claims. Peak power has also been increased to 650 hp and 900 lb-ft, but riders can dial that back to 285 hp and 273 lb-ft.
Also selectable is the degree of regenerative braking. It can be turned off to allow the Magneto to drive like an internal combustion vehicle, but can also produce significant resiliency when in operation, according to Jeep. Downhill mode allows driving with one pedal when off-road.
The Magneto 3.0 still sends power to its wheels via low-frequency mechanical all-wheel drive, with a Dynatrac 60 front axle and a Dynatrac 80 rear axle, both with a 5.38:1 gear ratio. turn large 40-inch tires mounted on 20-inch nut-locked wheels. Continuing from previous versions are extremely high proportions, including very short front and rear overhangs, wider doors, a lowered hood and a 3.0-inch liftgate.
Concept Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0
A future electric Wrangler could adopt some of these styling cues, but the production Recon will likely have a more conventional shape, with four doors and a vertical roof. Described by Jeep as a “brother” to the Wrangler, the Recon will also have removable doors to attach to that model.
As a platform SUV based on the new STLA Large EV platform, the Recon won’t have Magneto’s mechanical all-wheel drive or manual transmission, but some of the concept’s technologies, such as engines and systems. regenerative braking, which could hint at the direction Jeep plans to take with the Recon.
Jeep has revealed a few other electrified concepts for this year’s Easter Safari, including one that combines a 1978 Jeep Cherokee bodywork with a powertrain from the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. Another Wrangler 4xe is painted pink, with air suspension, 37-inch tires and front and rear bumpers, while the Wrangler 4xe Departure concept previews some potential new items from the Brand Parts catalog. Jeep performance. These concepts show how Jeep will continue to appeal to Wrangler fans, even in the plug-in era.
