Automotive

All-electric Jeep Wrangler concept to power to life next month

All-electric Jeep Wrangler concept to power to life next month
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
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The road behind the "Road Ahead" included last year's introduction of the Wrangler 4xe
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The road behind the "Road Ahead" included last year's introduction of the Wrangler 4xe
Jeep plans to launch the Hands Free Active Driving Assist for the Grand Cherokee L in late 2021
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Jeep plans to launch the Hands Free Active Driving Assist for the Grand Cherokee L in late 2021
New tech-assist features like a head-up display and drowsy driver warnings will launch in (Northern Hemisphere) spring 2021
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New tech-assist features like a head-up display and drowsy driver warnings will launch in (Northern Hemisphere) spring 2021
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
Jeep concept creates a cozy campfire indoors
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Jeep concept creates a cozy campfire indoors
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Like so many other events, the annual Easter Jeep Safari was a victim of COVID-19 last year. Jeep will help make up for the loss of a 2020 event with its plans for this year's Safari. Beyond just the usual slate of Jeeps dressed up in their best aftermarket component kits, Jeep will debut an all-electric Wrangler concept at the event. The concept should show how even an all-out adventure 4x4 like the Wrangler can leverage electric power, offering a fun-loving, fast-torquing off-road experience.

The electric Wrangler concept build will be a part of "The Road Ahead" that Jeep kickstarted with a Super Bowl advertisement on Sunday. As far as electrification goes, Jeep has already started down the Road by introducing 4xe hybrid models like the Wrangler 4xe. The Grand Cherokee will become the next member of the 4xe family in the second half of 2021.

The road behind the "Road Ahead" included last year's introduction of the Wrangler 4xe
The road behind the "Road Ahead" included last year's introduction of the Wrangler 4xe

As for the electric Wrangler concept, Jeep is keeping the details close to its chest for now, confirming only that it's a 100-percent battery electric vehicle (BEV). A battery variant of a pure-blooded off-roader like the Wrangler will undoubtedly reignite a conversation about the driving range limitations of BEV technology, but another part of Jeep's "Road Ahead" plans calls for installing solar-powered charging stations at major off-road destinations. Jeep will start with locations that regularly appear in its badge names and advertising, including the Rubicon Trail and Moab.

While range might be a legitimate worry related to an all-electric Wrangler, the off-road icon should also benefit from all-electric drive power, enjoying advantages like immediate torque and e-motor torque vectoring,

Other stops on the Road Ahead include this year's introduction of the production Grand Wagoneer, the forthcoming launch of the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and the launch of a hands-free autonomous driving assistance system in the Grand Cherokee L later in 2021. Jeep even has some fun imagining outdoor-loving owners of the future enjoying a campfire using a high-tech interior in the concept cabin below – perfect for winding down a particularly windy or rainy evening at camp.

Jeep concept creates a cozy campfire indoors
Jeep concept creates a cozy campfire indoors

The 2021 Easter Jeep Safari starts on March 27 and runs through April 4 in Moab, Utah. We'll bring details about the Wrangler BEV concept and any other concept Jeeps once they make their first appearance.

You can watch Jeep's "Road Ahead" commercial below.

Jeep® | The Road Ahead

Source: Jeep

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5 comments
5 comments
guzmanchinky
Ohhh how I would love an electric Wrangler. I already love my Rubicon, and the idea of endless torque at 1 mph and the silence, as well as maybe camping in it all night with A/C or heat (I know, the batteries aren't that capable yet, but it's coming someday!)...
foxpup
I'm glad they are joining the EV club. Although most people just commute to work or take kids to school in these things they will still be great in the rare times they go out into nature. It's a lot easier to hear the birds sing and trees rustle in the wind without a roaring ICE ruining the mood.
Aladdin Connolly
Other articles show the drive system, and they are simply replacing gas for electric not wheel motors etc. Not a ground up design around the strengths of electric unfortunately.
guzmanchinky
Alladin, you are right, I would LOVE to see individual wheel motors, but this is a start!
ljaques
Yabbut, you'll have go get a Tesla truck bring out a VERY large bucket of electrons if you get way out there and spend your battery. // Yes, wheel motors would be great, and they could be configured similar to the Unimog's, providing truly high clearance from front to back.