Teaser Sketches for 2021 Easter Jeep Safari
Last year in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put a quick end to a lot of events people were looking forward to. When it came to the auto industry, that didn’t just mean a temporary shut down of manufacturing plants. That meant auto shows and award shows, press conferences, and community events were all postponed, and eventually cancelled. Amongst them were the Easter Jeep® Safari event set in Moab, Utah, where Jeepers from all over come together to socialize, go on trails, and buy/sell accessories to bring a Jeep vehicle to the next level. Every year, there are also new concepts from Mopar, and although social media says the Safari has been cancelled again, we’re not so sure with this early preview of a new electric Wrangler concept.
Announced a month ago, we weren’t sure if it would come to fruition, with how suspicious Jeep has been of a battery electric vehicle (BEVs), despite the amount of torque electric motors can produce at 0 RPM. However, now that Jeep has released some teaser sketches, apparently they’ve given the concept a name many will recognize. Given the large and passionate fandom of WandaVision, and the original backstory of Wanda Maximoff being the daughter of Max Eisenhardt, a.k.a. Magneto, we’re going to call this one a ride on the hype train. The teaser sketch is for a Wrangler model and comes with the script “MAGNeTO”.
They say the name isn’t just from the Marvel Comics villain, because apparently “Magneto” is also used as the term for electric motor-generators with permanent magnets. Whether it’s the engineering or the comic book character, Jeep decided to use the same moniker for its electric Wrangler concept. Don’t get confused with an electric Wrangler and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe released in 2020. The 4xe series are plug-in hybrid variants of the original model. Jeep has yet to dive into all-electric territory.
The teaser images show what the design for the electric powertrain could look like, with batteries squeezed into the chassis of the Wrangler versus creating a compartment underneath like many designs for a lower center of gravity. Like all Jeep vehicles, plug-in hybrid models included, 4×4 is still a possibility, even with the electric motor and batteries. While looking it over, does anyone get a sense of déjà vu?
Over a decade ago, Jeep was playing around with the idea of an electric Jeep Wrangler. It came with an electric motor and batteries powerful enough for 40 miles, but that really isn’t enough when compared to electric vehicles (EVs) today. Now that the technology is there and modern times have been kind to alternative fuel ventures, Jeep is taking another shot at going electric. To double-down on the new product line, Jeep will also be installing solar-powered charging stations in popular Jeep locations, such as Moab, Utah and the Rubicon Trail in California. This may even extend to many of the official Jeep rated Trails found in the Badge of Honor program and app. All that means is more ways to go green when taking a Jeep out for an adventure with zero carbon dioxide emissions.
In case anyone is wondering, the Easter Jeep Safari will supposedly run from March 27 to April 4 in Moab, Utah. If you go, be careful, bring a mask, some hand sanitizer, and a camera to share some pics with us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram social media.