Jeep says its new concept electric Wrangler SUV is as fast as Tesla

DETROIT – Jeep has redesigned an all-electric concept version of its flagship Wrangler, with the brand centered on gas consumption to zero-emission electric vehicles.

The Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 concept car comes a year after Stilants Unveil the brand The first version of an all-electric SUV. Concept vehicles are customized products typically made by automakers to gauge customer interest or display the future direction of a vehicle or brand.

The SUV concept is based on the traditional Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV, but the Magneto 2.0 offers a significant boost in performance, including achieving 0-60 mph in two seconds, according to the automaker. That’s faster than the Wrangler Magneto 1.0, at 6.8 seconds, and in line with Tesla’s high-performance Plaid models.

Jeep said the Magneto 2.0 is capable of up to 850 pound-feet of wheel torque and 625 horsepower. Jeep has not launched the electric range of the car.

The most unique aspect of Magneto is his Six-speed manual transmission not required by electric vehicles. Jeep officials said the electronic transmission has the best characteristics of an automatic transmission with the direct driving feel of a manual transmission — a major draw for off-road enthusiasts.

Jeep brought the Wrangler Magneto 2.0 online Friday ahead of the Jeep Easter Safari, the brand’s annual off-road event in Moab, Utah. Jeep regularly uses this event as a testing ground for the capabilities of its vehicles as well as a yardstick to gauge customer interest in new products.

Because Magneto is a concept, it is not for sale to consumers. However, Jeep is expected to produce an all-electric Wrangler sometime in the coming years.

Jeep is a key part of the growth and electrification plans of Stellantis, the company formed last year through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and French automaker Groupe PSA. Stellantis invests at least 35.5 billion dollars in electric vehicles and supporting technologies until 2025.

Every new Jeep will provide some form of electricity in the next few years, said Christian Meunier, CEO of Jeep. These plans are expected to include all electric vehicles as well as hybrids and so-called PHEVs that combine electrification and internal combustion engines such as the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe models currently on sale.

The Magneto 2.0 was released alongside four other custom or concept jeeps for the Moab Off-Road event. Other vehicles included the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk PHEV off-road model and other modified Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators.