Usually, when a vehicle has been in a flood, it’s completely wrecked because the water in the intake causes too many mechanical problems. However, a few models might be able to handle the watery conditions, such as the Jeep Wrangler. Additionally, according to the New York Post, Stellantis has some ideas in the works to create submersible vehicles through the Jeep brand. What does that mean? Let’s take a look. 

What Jeep models can do today 

One reason why it’s not too far-fetched of an idea is that the current Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon can already travel through 33.6 inches of water, which is almost three feet in depth. Rival vehicles don’t even come close. The Ford Bronco can only handle a depth of 23.6 inches compared to Wrangler Xtreme Recon. 

Additionally, there are Jeep owners that have tackled driving their Jeeps in some pretty deep depths. This has been when using a gas-powered engine so that an electric vehicle could accomplish reliable performance in even deeper water and worse conditions.

How Jeep will combat climate disaster

We’ve seen news articles about flooding in various parts all over the world. Vehicles driving through flooded areas with a foot or two of water will often stall out and get swept up in the flood, damaging the vehicle, if not totaling it altogether. The costs associated with that can go pretty high, depending on the severity of the damage. 

Jeep is planning a revolutionary vehicle that can withstand floods and far worse climate-related conditions. In fact, the vehicle they’re planning is reportedly going to be able to travel underwater like a submarine. Stellantis’ CEO has even shared that its future Jeep models will drive underwater around 2030 if all goes well. 

To accomplish this, the Jeep would need to be fully electric because an underwater vehicle wouldn’t function with air intakes or exhausts. As long as all the equipment, especially the battery pack, is sealed in a waterproof container, the Jeep will have no issue driving underwater. Since the company plans to build all-electric models for each of its SUVs by 2025, it appears that Stellantis is well on its way to covering this crucial issue.

Is there a need for Jeeps to work in water?

It seems driving Jeeps in water won’t just be a recreational activity. According to NASA, scientific studies show a surge in coastal flooding is on its way and could hit states along the coastlines by the 2030s. Climate changes have affected sea levels worldwide, causing high tides to get higher in some areas. 

The main purpose of a Jeep is to go off-roading, which means it can travel over rocky terrain, through mud and waterholes, and access some of the most remote areas around. With its heavy structure and rugged suspension, you should have no problem getting around an area devastated by floodwaters. Additionally, a Jeep that can travel underwater isn’t likely to have any problems getting around when rising water levels start flooding cities along the coast. Furthermore, submersible Jeep models could essentially help save the lives of others that are trapped in floodwaters as well. 

Boats are usually the route most often taken when trying to get around a flooded area. However, if Jeep follows through with a model that can travel like a submarine, you might be driving around heavily flooded streets in the next decade or so.