In 2021, Jeep showcased the Wrangler Magneto Concept at the Easter Jeep Safari event. The Wrangler Magneto concept was an all-electric Wrangler design study for an impending model. The off-road concept was designed to demonstrate that an electric Wrangler would be just as capable and true to its heritage as the iconic Wrangler off-roader. A year later, Jeep has now showcased its second iteration in the form of the new Wrangler Magneto 2.0. The new concept takes things further, with more modern and improved technologies being used for the electric off-roader.
The numbers Jeep is claiming for the Wrangler Magneto 2.0 are mind-boggling. So, let's take a closer look.
The Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Is Ready For The Future
The Wrangler Magneto 2.0 concept is based on the two-door model of the off-roader. But importantly, the wheelbase has been extended by an impressive 12-inches. This allows for more room for additional powertrain components that are required for the electric Wrangler.
Compared to the regular Wrangler, the concept features a 3-inch lift kit custom-built for the Magneto 2.0. The vehicle rides on massive 40-inch off-road tires, wrapped around the 20-inch wheels. Naturally, this electric Wrangler concept requires a custom driveshaft and special off-road suspension. Jeep has equipped the concept vehicle with Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 at the front axle, and a Dynatrac Pro-Rock 80 rear axle using a 5.38 ratio with diff-locks on both.
Styling changes for the Magneto 2.0 are subtle, but the vehicle has its own personality. The bumpers have been revised to shed weight, the wheel arches are built from carbon fiber. Jeep claims that the design changes have also improved the vehicle’s approach and departure angles. The concept also uses a custom carbon-fiber B-pillar, carbon-fiber hood, and a removable fabric roof. The blue-tinted transparent window on the hood allows for a glimpse into the powertrain as well. To finish off the electric Wrangler look, the whole car sports a special ‘Surf Blue’ exterior paint.
The Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Packs A Lot Of Power
As technology has progressed over time, Jeep has worked to progress the electric Wrangler concept along with it. Unlike the original Wrangler Magneto, the 2.0 packs a lot of power and performance. The concept uses a custom-designed axial flux electric motor mounted at the front. It pushes 625 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the initial concept only offered 285 horsepower and 227 pound-feet, said to be at par with the 3.5-liter Pentastar V6 motor. The new power figures seem to be inspired by the Hemi V8-powered SRT models turned up a notch.
This new Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept offers more than twice the power. It also makes over three times the torque. But that is not all it offers. The electric propulsion system has been recalibrated. The peak amperage has doubled to 600 amps, which it can maintain for up to 10 seconds. Jeep claims that this allows the Wrangler Magneto 2.0 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an eye-watering 2 seconds!
Furthermore, Jeep decided to keep the six-speed manual transmission from its predecessor. However, the ratio for 1st gear has been changed from 5.13 to 3.36. The transmission is linked to the Rock-Trac transfer case used on the Wrangler Rubicon. Thanks to its instant on-demand torque delivery, Jeep promises the Magneto 2.0 will be just as capable at rock-crawling as the most impressive versions of the Wrangler.
The Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Battery System Is Quite Impressive
The lithium-ion battery has been split into four packs distributed around the chassis for weight distribution and balance in the Magneto 2.0. The battery packs have a combined capacity of 70 kWh and run on an 800-volt architecture. The Magneto 2.0 also supports ‘one-pedal drive’ with a driver-selectable multi-level regeneration system.
The concept is based on the existing Wrangler. The electrical components and drivetrain has been retrofitted and shoe-horned into the current platform, instead of being built on a brand-new skateboard platform designed from the ground up.
The concept is undoubtedly cool. However, what isn’t cool is that Jeep has no plans to offer this powertrain as a retro-fitting service for customers at this time. Jeep claims the goal of the new concept was not about extracting range. But to develop the torque characteristics for a battery-powered off-roader. Jeep believes that batteries are going to get smaller and offer more range while also becoming more affordable. While an all-electric Jeep will arrive in early 2023, the tech used on the Wrangler Magneto 2.0 and the manual gearbox is unlikely to make production.
Source: Jeep