Skip advert
Advertisement

Jeep Magneto concept points way to EV future

New electric Jeep concept is based on two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and has a manual gearbox

US off-road brand Jeep has revealed an all-electric concept car, called the Magneto.  It appears to confirm that the company is developing a Wrangler EV to sit alongside the forthcoming Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid in its range.

The Jeep Magneto features a solitary electric motor that generates 281bhp and 370Nm of torque, powered by a 70kWh battery. However, this battery capacity is split up into four separate units mounted around the vehicle’s body to keep weight balanced and help off-road performance.

This output should mean the Magneto can sprint from 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds, according to Jeep’s claims, and while the US brand hasn’t published a figure for the Magneto’s range, such a battery system should allow for around 210 miles between charges.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Unusually for an EV, the Magneto features a six-speed manual gearbox. Jeep says the system is being set up for the motor to collect regenerated power as the driver eases off the accelerator when the clutch is engaged. However, the more likely scenario is that a potential production version of a Wrangler EV in the future (probably in the pipeline for a 2022 debut) could use a conventional single-speed transmission.

The Jeep Magneto was one of four concepts revealed ahead of the traditional Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, which starts on March 27 and runs until April 4. The other concepts are a mixture of modern and traditional.

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon features a 256bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

There’s also a  Jeepster Commando Beach, which is based on a 1968 C-101 and features a 335bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The interior contains red leather bucket seats and no carpet.

Finally, the Orange Peelz is based on a two-door Wrangler, and has no side or rear windows. It is powered by a 281bhp 3.6-litre V6, and its off-road ability is enhanced by a two-inch lift kit and Fox shock absorbers.

Check out what happened when we met a global expedition using a Jeep Wrangler...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best used snow cars 2024
Best used snow cars - header image

Best used snow cars 2024

Don’t have the budget for a new car? These 10 great-value used buys also excel in the worst of the weather
Best cars & vans
11 Oct 2024
New Jeep Compass all set for November reveal, and 2025 launch
Jeep Compass - exclusive image

New Jeep Compass all set for November reveal, and 2025 launch

The next-generation Jeep Compass will spearhead massive model blitz, doubling the company’s zero-emission portfolio
News
5 Aug 2024
Best cars to modify - our top options for DIY car mods
Best cars to modify - header image

Best cars to modify - our top options for DIY car mods

If you have the itch for aftermarket parts and making your ride unique, these are the best cars to go for
Best cars & vans
13 May 2024
New Jeep Wrangler facelift 2024 review: great off-road, but too expensive
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - front

New Jeep Wrangler facelift 2024 review: great off-road, but too expensive

Updates are welcome, but the Jeep Wrangler remains hard to recommend when compared to the Land Rover Defender
Road tests
29 Apr 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024