Courtesy: Jeep
The iconic Jeep Wrangler is joining the electric vehicle party sooner than you may think. Jeep has given us an inside look at the automaker’s future via their mighty popular Wrangler—in an all-electric format. While no official snapshots of the vehicle have been released, it is receiving quite the buzz on the car blogging market, with major automotive sites such as CarandDriver and GearPatrol rumoring that a Jeep Wrangler EV Concept could be released during the 2021 Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah next month.
Jeep has done a pretty good job of keeping the vehicle’s specifications to themselves, but it’s almost a certainty to expect that the WRangler EV Concept will be battery-powered only and have one electric motor at the minimum, to give juice to the wheels. While concepts rarely provide exact details of what will be on the official model version, it’s also safe to expect Jeep will stick to its roots on the Wrangler by maintaining its iconic front-bumper look and headlights. We can also expect a few changes to the current design, maybe in the form of new wheels and exterior aesthetic changes, but we have to wait until the Easter Jeep Safari event in late March before anything is even confirmed.
We covered the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe recently and its success prior to its official release later this spring. Considering Jeep has made the leap to create a gas-electric hybrid, they will likely take a similar path in creating a fully-electric variant. Unlike the Wrangler 4xe, which alternates between a turbocharged 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors, the EV concept will solely rely on electric motors for power, making it the first of its kind for the Jeep brand. The brand is confident that it can make a transition into the EV market in the coming years with the potential of rolling out a production version later this year or early 2022.
Wrangler EV Concept
For everyday commuters or off-road adventurers, this model should create some excitement. It will combine the iconic and rugged look of the classic Wrangler but give drivers the power of battery-power in a vehicle. For anyone who was hesitant to purchase a Wrangler in the past, the problem likely circled back to gas efficiency. The new EV concept could solve that problem and encourage more drivers to turn to Jeep moving forward.
One thing is certain, Jeep announced a fully-electric variant of a Wrangler EV on their “Road Ahead” webpage, revealing it would come at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari. The vehicle will likely come with the following:
LED Lighting – Expect factory LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights to come standard
Battery Power – An energy-efficient, powerful battery to allow for long-distance travel and an exciting ride
Iconic Design – Don’t expect Jeep to stray from its roots. The Concept EV will likely feature the same aesthetics from the current gas-powered Wrangler models in the form of its grille and other components
4×4 Capable – It isn’t a Jeep if its not “Trail Rated” and this won’t be an exception. Off-roading is a must for Wrangler owners and this concept will likely maintain its 4×4 status and add some kick to it
2021 Easter Jeep Safari Event (late-March)
The annual Easter Jeep Safari event draws a crowd of Rock 4-Wheelers, Jeep enthusiasts, and off-road lovers on a nine-day trekking trip through the rugged terrain in Moab, Utah. This year’s event is slated to take place in the final week of March and will continue through the early days of April. The event will be used as part of the marketing strategy for the brand, where we should get our first glimpse at the full-electric Wrangler EV.
The setting is perfect for a Jeep unveiling, as the Utah backcountry is like a playground for off-roading vehicles featuring long stretching valleys, deep canyons, hills, and more. The event will run from March 27 to April 4, giving drivers and enthusiasts plenty of time to escape in the desert wilderness with Jeep. Sadly, the event is for registered members of the Rock 4-Wheelers off-road club, but if you want to find out more about the club and how to potentially join, you can visit their website at rr4w.com.
Battery-Power meets Iconic Jeep Design
Are changes imminent? Likely. Will they be drastic? Probably not. The Jeep Wrangler has made a name for itself for its rugged look, and Jeep is likely not going to do anything to change that success. Jeep enthusiasts will, however, have to deal with a quieter cockpit. While many are used to the rumbling sound of the current and older Wrangler models, this gas-less variant will be “quiet” in comparison. But, the battery component will propel drivers with instant torque, and that is something prospective buyers should be excited about.
When will it be Released?
The short answer is, we don’t know. The event will serve as a sneak peek into what Jeep has planned for the coming years in regards to EV technology in their lineup. Jeep engineers will likely be keeping an eye on the evolving electric market and use that to become competitive in the space. In the meantime, you can stay updated with new Jeep models by visiting a local Florida CDJR dealer and take a look at their inventory for amazing deals. By filling out the contact form, they can also provide you with the latest information and answer any questions you may have about buying or leasing a new or pre-owned Jeep.
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Terry is an avid Nascar fan who grew up attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, just down the road from his hometown of China Grove, NC. Terry currently resides in Wellington and has been writing for 15 years. He also enjoys watching the Road Runner Looney Tunes cartoon with his two sons in his spare time.