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The Magneto 2.0 may prove to be an off-road tour de force.
Words by Peter Boyer
The Easter Jeep Safari held annually in Moab, UT, has evolved from a small gathering of Jeep enthusiasts in 1967 to one of the most revered and bucket-list-worthy 4X4 events in North America.
It was originally conceived exclusively for Jeep owners but is now open to all off-roaders, as well as select vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers that showcase their latest rigs and gear. Many also participate in trail runs hosted by organizers, the Red Rock 4-Wheelers.
Given its popularity, it’s only natural that the Easter Jeep Safari has become one of the premier staging areas for Jeep to showcase its latest concepts to the company’s most dedicated customer base.
Since the 1930s, manufacturers have been introducing concept cars to pretest public reaction to new styling and technology. It has become a hallmark of the industry. For the public, concept vehicles have become one of the most exciting aspects of the new model year.
They are also exciting for automotive journalists. Scheduled press events allow the media to meet company representatives and participate in much-anticipated test drives to determine the potential of the capabilities, designs and new systems.
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The 40” tires add to its robust profile.
So, imagine the surprise in 2021 when Jeep introduced its first EV Wrangler, the Magneto 1.0, in Moab. It wasn’t subject to the area’s acclaimed trails like ‘Hell’s Revenge,’ or ‘Metal Masher’ but its performance off-road exemplified the company’s commitment and credibility.
When Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand, FCA - North America, explained that an all-electric Jeep Wrangler is inevitable and would return in 2022, expectations were raised.
Enter the 2022 Magneto 2.0, which was showcased at the event this past April with a backdrop of Utah’s famous red rock formations. Building on what was essentially a stock 2 door JL Rubicon with an ICE swapped out for a mild electric motor producing 285 hp and 273 ft-lbs of torque in 2021, the Magneto has been transformed into a feisty all-out 4X4 EV.
Impressing enthusiasts at Moab is no easy feat. Highly-modified Jeeps are nothing new to hardcore wheelers. But the Magento 2.0, it turns out, has it all - ultra coolness with tremendous functionality.
A prime example is it has double the power of a whopping 625 horses and triple the torque of 850 lb-ft over the 1.0. Delivering this power is an axial flux electric motor, which features a number of inherent advantages.
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The interior has a clean, stylish design.
In addition to the power and torque, it has a compact, lightweight design and excellent cooling performance. Longevity and simplicity mean fewer moving parts, which are other important attributes of this technology.
Speed can be a meaningless measurement for an off-road vehicle, but one of the highlights of the Magneto 2.0 is it can maintain peak amperage for up to 10 seconds, enhancing its 0-60 time to two seconds. It’s hard to imagine a Jeep being able to go that fast off the line.
To ensure mechanical integrity, the chassis has been upgraded as well, giving the 2.0 dominant off-road cred. Jeep departs from conventional EVs by continuing to utilize a conventional transmission in the driveline as well as a two-speed transfer case, providing maximum flexibility for rock crawling and other off-road challenges.
Other hardware upgrades include a stronger frame, slightly longer wheelbase (similar to the 2004-2006 2 door Unlimited), heavy-duty Dynatrac 60 front axle and a Dynatrac 80 rear axle with a 5.38 ratio with lockers. It also has a custom driveshaft and off-road suspension. A 3” lift and 40” tires on 20” wheels are other nice touches. Jeep hasn’t revealed approach and departure angles (as these are likely to change), but its profile reflects a very capable 4X4 that will please Jeep owners.
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With its complete styling, the 2022 Magneto 2.0 was showcased this past April at the Easter Jeep Safari.
Most of the current EVs are based on 400 V architecture but the Magento 2.0 boasts 800 V, which is the chief advantage of improving efficiency when transferring electricity to the driveline/wheels, and enabling lower current to reduce power loss due to heat. This could also be a potential advantage in achieving faster charging speeds through higher voltage with less overheating.
The Magneto 2.0 is designed with four lithium-ion batteries with a combined power of 70 kW/h. This is not a huge amount of battery storage but a 2-door Jeep is limited in the amount of available space. Range data also hasn’t been released yet since it is a concept vehicle and isn’t optimized for mileage performance.
Even though they placed the batteries accordingly to optimize weight distribution, batteries are not light. The addition of skid plates, sliders and gear would mean even more weight.
The Magneto 2.0 definitely fires up your imagination at first glance. As ICE technology reaches its limits in terms of maintaining performance while reducing its carbon footprint and controlling emissions, it’s clear that the time has come for a simpler solution with less complexity and more efficiency.
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Jeep departs from conventional EVs by continuing to utilize a conventional transmission in the driveline as well as its two-speed transfer case.
An EV achieves that. Electric motors can also be made water- or dustproof and a huge benefit is they can perform in any position and not be starved of oil on a steep inline. Time will tell whether or not a future Magneto and its axial flux electric motor will have these benefits but the potential is interesting. Additionally, an electric motor is always in stealth mode, providing greater opportunities to commune with nature due to its quiet operation.
If you’re an ICE guy, the biggest challenge of 4WD EV vehicles isn’t range or fast charging. It’s coming to terms with the paradigm shift that EV technology represents. When a brand like Jeep can demonstrate that the use of new technology will improve performance and off-road capability, while still remaining true to its brand, it means a lot towards acceptability.
Despite the many improvements and changes, a straight line can still be drawn between the first Jeep and a 2022 JL, 81 years later. That’s pretty special. According to Morrison, the evolution of an EV Wrangler will continue that tradition.
Of course, with fuel prices approaching $2 litre and a full tank of fuel for a 4x4 truck costing upwards of $200 or more, the 2.0 Magneto will only make it easier to embrace this new tech for off-roading.
We’re already looking forward to seeing the Magneto 3.0.