Jeep has revealed a number of custom-built concept vehicles ahead of the American brand’s annual Easter Jeep Safari outing in Moab, Utah.
One of the vehicles is the Magneto, which is effectively an all-electric version of the two-door 2020 Wrangler Rubicon.
The EV variant uses a custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm, and which is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, creating what the American company says is “a unique manual-electric powertrain with a clutch that operates as it would with an internal combustion engine”.
The e-motor is tuned to deliver up to 273 lb-ft of torque and 281 bhp, which is comparable to the standard Wrangler’s 3.6-litre Pentastar V6. The Magneto concept is claimed to run 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Powering the e-motor are four battery packs with a combined power of 70 kW/h, running an 800-volt system. To balance weight, the lithium-ion batteries are distributed on the four wheels. One pack replaces the Wrangler’s mid-ship fuel tank, another is mounted opposite the fuel tank location, the third pack sits atop the e-motor under the hood and the fourth pack mounts in the space normally used for a rear storage compartment, also using space typically occupied by the exhaust muffler.
The batteries, a vehicle interface box, and the battery control module all reside in waterproof enclosures owing to the Wrangler’s 30-inch water-traversing capability. Unique mounts secure the battery packs for harsh driving and custom skid plates protect the packs from potential strikes to the undercarriage while traversing rugged terrain.
The exterior of the Magneto, meanwhile, features a bright white colour with blue accents, along with a heavy-duty hood complete with centre scoop and custom decal, redesigned rear gate, and full-width forward lighting. Custom blue and black leather seats with sapphire-coloured inserts and straps, blue truck bed liner and Mopar slush mats are intended to give the vehicle’s interior design “an electrified appearance”.
Additional details include a 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch black metallic wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tyres, a custom roll cage, and steel bumpers complete with a winch and steel belly pan for added off-road capability.
