The jeep will make noise in Moab with a quiet SUV.
The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is a fully electric version of the venerable 4×4 that will make its debut at the Easter Jeep Safari off-road event in Utah from March 27.
The Magneto is based on the Wrangler Rubicon, but has had its V6 engine replaced by an electric motor with 285 identical horsepower that connects to the standard six-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive system.
The engine has been tuned to deliver its power in a similar way to the V6 to keep things familiar when negotiating difficult terrain, but it can also deliver its maximum of 273 lb-ft of torque in an instant whenever the driver steps on the gas.
The configuration is different from most specifically built electric vehicles, which do not require transmissions and allow electric motors to drive the wheels directly, but have been used in electrical conversions for several classic cars.
The engine draws its power from four batteries with a combined storage capacity of 70 kilowatt hours that were installed on top of the engine, under the vehicle where the fuel tank is normally located and in the cargo compartment. The system can also be used to supply local power to external electrical equipment.
Jeep has not announced plans to put the Magneto power train into production, but will conduct engineering tests at the event, where it will also inaugurate the first of a network of solar-powered charging stations that it is installing in popular off-road destinations.
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However, deliveries of the plug-in hybrid 2021 Wrangler 4xe are in progress. The model combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to deliver 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and has a combined fuel economy rating equivalent to 49 mpg in normal use. It can also be driven for up to 21 miles in all-electric mode on demand.
Along with the futuristic Wrangler Magneto, Jeep is also bringing several other concepts to Moab, including the Jeepster Beach, which is a 1968 Jeepster Commando with a modern 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder Wrangler engine tuned to deliver 340 hp and 369 lb- ft of torque, 8-speed automatic transmission and 4: 1 transfer box. The beach also has a friendly, carpetless interior to help it live up to its name.