See the Electric Jeep Concept that is the Star of This Year's Easter Jeep Safari

Every year, Jeep unveils customized Jeeps at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari. The vehicles are intended to be conversation starters. Some of the Jeeps are heavily customized, using Jeep Performance Parts or Mopar accessories. Usually, there is a featured Restomod. The talk of this year’s event centers on the Jeep Magneto concept and Jeep’s plans to make electric charging available on the significant trailheads.

“The Moab Easter Jeep Safari has long been our testing ground for both our newest Jeep 4x4s and for showcasing new Jeep brand concepts, Jeep Performance Parts and ideas that truly resonate with our most passionate customers — the die-hard off-road enthusiasts who attend this event every year,” said Jim Morrison, Vice President, Jeep Brand North America. “This year’s Safari shines a spotlight on what makes Jeep vehicles unmistakably distinctive and undeniably capable, a variety of powertrains that deliver superior power, performance, torque and, above all, fun. Moab’s demanding trails are a worthy opponent for our Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator concept vehicles. Each is certain to prove that Jeep’s legendary 4x4 capability reigns supreme on any terrain.”

Moab Easter Jeep Safari

The Moab Easter Jeep Safari runs from March 27- April 4 and draws Jeep fans and journalists from all over the world. Already, most of the talk has been about the Jeep Magneto Concept, a BEV or battery electric vehicle. Despite being called a concept, the Magneto is driveable. (Most concept vehicles aren’t).

Jeep Magneto Concept

According to Jeep, its first BEV is based on a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. “The Jeep Magneto uses a custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm. The e-motor is connected to a six-speed manual transmission, creating a unique manual-electric powertrain with a clutch that operates as it would with an internal combustion engine.”

Jeep engineers say the compact e-motor is tuned to deliver up to 273 lb.-ft. of torque and 285 horsepower. It is supposed to be fairly comparable to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. The engineers developed calibrations to help the Magneto’s powertrain emulate the driving experience of the V-6, matching its torque and horsepower. The Magneto concept will do 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds.

The zero-emission Magneto’s e-motor is powered by 4 battery packs strategically placed around the vehicle to balance the weight. All of the batteries, as well as the e-motor, are carefully wrapped and protected to ensure that the Magneto has the 4x4 capability that Jeep is known for. It also maintains the Wrangler’s 30-inch water-traversing capability.

“Moab is the perfect place to showcase the latest selection of authentic, quality-tested Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar,” said Mark Bosanac, North America Vice President, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “Unlike any other aftermarket offering, our factory-backed Jeep Performance Parts are specifically designed and engineered to deliver exact fit, form and function for Jeep vehicles.”

The Magneto is loaded with Jeep Performance parts including a heavy-duty performance hood with center scoop and custom decal, redesigned rear gate and lots of extra lighting. It has a JPP 2-inch lift kit, custom roll cage and steel bumpers. The Magneto has custom seats, a special truck bed liner and Mopar slush mats.

Stellantis and The Road Ahead

It is fascinating that Jeep is premiering an electric vehicle at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab. Driving an electric vehicle is difficult in remote areas because of the lack of charging stations. As I first reported last month, as part of its “The Road Ahead” video and information released near the Super Bowl, Jeep is promising to install charging stations near iconic trails.

Jeep Electric Vehicle Charging

While in Moab, Jeep released more of its plans to install electric vehicle charging at the major trailheads. Jeep is partnering with Electrify America and will install Jeep-branded EV charging stations near the Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trails over the next year.

The Jeep 4xe charging stations will open this spring at three of the most popular sites for Jeep fans - Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in Pollock Pines, California; and Big Bear, California.

“Electrification opens a new chapter in the Jeep brand story, and it brings an entirely new level of excitement and enjoyment to our enthusiastic owners,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer. “Key to making Jeep brand the greenest SUV brand is assuring our owners can enjoy the benefits of electric propulsion wherever they go, including the most iconic off-road trails in the country.”

The installation of the charging sites coincides with the launch of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the first Jeep hybrid-electric vehicle. Jeep owners will be able to charge at the trailhead sites for free using a Jeep app.

Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.