Electric Jeep Wrangler concept teased ahead of next month debut

KUALA LUMPUR: After introducing the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid last year, the American automaker now geared up to bring the fully-electric version of the iconic off-road SUV. During its Super Bowl LV, the brand promoted its new website “Road Ahead”, which features the fully electric Wrangler concept teaser along with a message that it will be unveiled in full as part of this year’s Easter Jeep Safari event in Moab, Utah. The said event is scheduled to run between March 28 and April 3.

“As we celebrate Jeep’s 80th anniversary this year and look to the future, ‘The Road Ahead’ illustrates how we are proudly building on our rich heritage as we commit to making Jeep the greenest SUV brand,” said Christian Meunier, Global President, Jeep Brand, Stellantis.

While details of the Wrangler BEV prototype remain very less on the ground, the shadowy teaser image reveals some of the designing highlights. Upfront, it will have the iconic seven-slot grille, along with a wide LED light bar running through the grille’s upper sections and the headlights. 

Also revealed in the teaser is a diagram depicting the electric Wrangler underpinnings. It features a single electric motor with a transfer case, instead of a dual-motor found in other all-wheel-drive EVs. The motor seems to be connected with multiple battery packs. 

Talking about the Wrangler 4xe mechanical setup, it has a combination of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot gasoline mill, a pair of electric motors, and a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery. It produces a combined system output of 280 kW and 637 Nm of torque, while its all-electric range is rated at 40 km. So, instead of the turbo engine, the fully electric model will carry more batteries.

Well, further details on the upcoming Jeep Wrangler EV is likely to surface near the concept’s debut in late March. About the arrival of the production version, we can expect it in late 2021 or early in 2022.

On a relatable note, the automaker also showcased solar charging stations on the minisite, which will be installed at several Jeep-centric locations around the country such as Moab, Utah, and the Rubicon Trail in California. 

Also read: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L revealed, will hit the US showroom soon