Jeep’s CEO Promises an Electric Offering of All New Jeeps for the Next Few Years
During the 2021 Stellantis EV day, various car brands under the auto conglomerate’s umbrella, including Jeep, revealed plans for electrification in the next few years. Jeep’s CEO, Christian Meunier, highlighted that the automaker was already making significant strides into electrification for the brand’s four bestselling models.
He also mentioned that by 2025, the car manufacturer would have zero-emission Jeep 4xe vehicles in each SUV segment. From the looks of it, these plans are already taking shape, with the Jeep Wrangler Magneto debuting during the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari.
The first version of the Jeep Wrangler Magneto
According to Stellantis, the first edition of the Magneto is based on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with some additional electric elements. This EV features an axial flux electric motor custom-built specifically for the Magneto with the capacity to operate at up to 6,000 rpm.
The motor’s output figures are 285 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It’s powered by four lithium-ion battery packs distributed around the vehicle to balance the weight. This allows the Jeep to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Despite only being a concept car, Jeep wanted to maintain the water-traversing capabilities of the Wrangler SUVs. As such, some of the components, including the batteries, battery control module, and vehicle interface box, are housed in waterproof compartments.
Also, while it wasn’t common for EVs to have manual transmissions, the Magneto 1.0 has a six-speed manual.
The Magneto 2.0 Jeep EV
As for the Magneto 2.0, it played a massive part in the 56th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, with the new version of the electric SUV having a more intentional design. The Magneto 2.0’s powertrain incorporates a six-speed manual transmission alongside a custom axial flux electric motor like the first edition.
The motor only operates up to 5,250 rpm but seems a lot more efficient than its predecessor. Stellantis claims the Magneto 2.0 can deliver 625 hp output and 850 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the automaker calibrated the powertrain to produce and maintain peak amperage for about 10 seconds.
According to CNBC, these performance figures allow the EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 in about two seconds. Furthermore, the Jeep EV’s ability to provide instant torque may come in handy in off-road and rock-climbing situations.
Body changes include a 12-inch increase to the wheelbase, a custom driveshaft, carbon fiber wheel flares, etc. Nevertheless, just like the Wrangler Magneto 1.0, the Magneto 2.0 is also a concept car and not available for sale.
Stellantis’ overall goals for EVs
Ultimately, Jeep’s electrification is only a tiny portion of Stellantis‘ overall electrification plans for its different car brands. The conglomerate is looking to offer a variety of EVs that fit different user needs, with an early investment of more than $31 billion.
The company has an ambitious strategy in place that aims to position Stellantis as a market leader in the low emissions vehicles segment. In terms of EV technology, it plans to create four battery electric vehicle platforms, including the STLA small, STLA medium, STLA large, and STLA frame for the various vehicle types.
Next, there’s the software element. Yves Bonnefont, the chief software officer for Stellantis, mentioned it would be essential for traction control and regeneration, the battery management system, and the smart cockpit and remote-control elements. Other key technological elements for the strategy include electric powertrains and batteries.
Also notable are the company’s plans to build an ecosystem around the EVs. Jeep’s CEO also alluded to this when he said the automaker would install solar charging stations in trails where Jeep drivers might need them.