Jeep has been teasing and previewing an electric 4x4 for a long time, and it's finally about to become a reality.
A fully electric Wrangler is happening, and Jeep is so giddy over the idea, it's now shown two iterations of an EV Wrangler concept at each of the past two Easter Safari annual off-road pilgrimages to Moab, Utah. Dubbed the Magneto and Magneto 2.0, the electric rock bashers provide a good preview of what to expect from the 2024 Jeep Wrangler EV.
Far from a Teslafied Wrangler, the Magneto wasn't hugely powerful. In fact, its 285 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque merely matched the performance of the base V-6-powered Wrangler. Heck, the motor only spun to 6,000 rpm, 600 shy of the V-6's max, with 70 kWh of batteries on board, split among a quadrant of fully sealed lithium-ion packs. This year's Magneto 2.
Figure the more powerful setup makes it to the production Wrangler EV around 2025, along with more battery capacity. The Magneto's 70-kWh setup is, if anything, constricted by the concept being based on the shorter two-door model; we imagine a four-door—likely with, or at least offering, an automatic transmission —would be more palatable while delivering more space to stash the batteries that are key to giving the electric Jeep workable driving range.
Given the Wrangler's relationship with the aftermarket, we doubt Jeep will change much about the body, suspension, and key hard points in order to maximize how many existing parts can fit. Look for blue-tinged accents, such as the 4xe's blue tow hooks and badges, and potentially more bits.