TRUE to its phrase, Jeep has debuted an all-electric Wrangler idea at this yr’s Easter Safari, and whereas the Magneto is simply an idea for now, the probabilities of it going into manufacturing are excessive because the model strives to grow to be the world’s greenest SUV maker.
Much less doubtless, nevertheless, is the Magneto’s introduction to those shores for the foreseeable future – supplied the idea reaches manufacturing – as Jeep’s world president Christian Meunier has in latest months publicly lamented the continuing lack of presidency assist for electrical autos and charging infrastructure in Australia.
Following on from its preliminary tease early final month, the Magneto appears to be like precisely how an electrical Wrangler is perhaps imagined; the identical as combustion-powered fashions however recognized as an EV by blue exterior and inside highlights plus some distinctive ‘4xe’ decals.
The Magneto idea is adorned in ‘Vivid White’ paint with ‘Surf Blue’ used for the roll cage, decal outlines, inside trim and flooring.
Based mostly on a two-door Wrangler Rubicon, the Magneto options distinctive black 17-inch metallic wheels wrapped in 35-inch Falken mud-terrain tyres and an unique full-width mild signature.
The bonnet scoop first seen on the Rubicon 392 additionally makes an look, though on this case there may be much less want for it to be purposeful given the electrical powertrain that consists of a custom-built axial flux electrical motor paired to a standard six-speed handbook transmission that may function at as much as 6000rpm.
Growing as much as 213kW of energy and 370Nm of torque, the brand new system comfortably exceeds outputs of the prevailing 3.6-litre ‘Pentastar’ V6 petrol engine (209kW/347Nm), though it doesn’t come near the 350kW/637Nm of the V8-powered Rubicon 392.
Whereas removed from being efficiency mannequin, the Magneto nonetheless claims a good 0-97km/h (60mph) time of 6.8 seconds.
Jeep is but to announce an efficient vary for the Magneto but it surely has confirmed the inexperienced off-roader depends on 4 separate battery packs to energy the electrical motor, amounting to a mixed 70kWh.
The packs themselves are stashed evenly all through the automobile to keep up its weight distribution, with one changing the standard gasoline tank, one mounted on the alternative aspect, one other immediately underneath the bonnet and the fourth present in what was the rear cargo compartment.
Battery packs within the Magneto exist solely to supply energy to the drivetrain, whereas different programs equivalent to infotainment, lights and auxiliary powered equipment are catered for by a pair of conventional 12V batteries which can be maintained by an inbuilt DC-to-DC converter.
A 10kW high-voltage heater can also be fitted to make sure occupants keep heat within the “totally open-air” cabin.
In line with the standard Jeep trait of being succesful off-road, all the batteries are housed in waterproof enclosures to keep up the Wrangler’s 762mm wading depth.
Different superior off-road options embody an built-in entrance winch, a JPP two-inch elevate equipment, Mopar rock rails and a metal stomach pan.
Based on Jeep North America vice-president Jim Morrison, the Easter Jeep Safari has lengthy been used as a testing floor for each new mannequin and showcasing new ideas, components and concepts.
“This yr’s Safari shines a highlight on what makes Jeep autos unmistakably distinctive and undeniably succesful—quite a lot of powertrains that ship superior energy, efficiency, torque and, above all, enjoyable,” he stated.
Given it kinds an important a part of the Jeep’s ‘Street Forward’ electrification technique – being its first full EV – an announcement confirming the Wrangler Magneto’s manufacturing is anticipated to be made by the top of the yr.
In any case, it took solely 4 months for the Rubicon 392’s manufacturing to be confirmed following its idea reveal.
