Next-gen Electric Jeep Wrangler Will Be Capable Of Autonomous Off-Roading

It seems only natural for an off-road specialist brand to adapt future technologies aimed at the path less travelled

• The Jeep Wrangler will get fully electric variants by 2025.

• By 2030, Jeep SUVs will offer autonomous off-roading tech for a new kind of adventure experience.

• The EV layout will also allow for flat floors and seats that can be folded flat as well.

• Electric Jeeps will be capable of vehicle-to-vehicle charging by 2025 and the Wrangler could also be equipped with a drone for scouting ahead.

• Jeep is setting up solar-powered charging stations around popular off-roading trails to tackle range anxiety out in the wild.

The Jeep Wrangler is destined to have a fully electric version in the near future. A concept previewing an electric Wrangler was showcased as part of Jeep’s presentation during the Stellantis EV Day 2021 event with an autonomous off-road driving feature.

Related: Stellantis Details Electrification Plans: Jeep, Citroen, And Other Brands

The model shown had the same visual theme as the Wrangler Magneto EV concept but it was the four-door version. All the doors have been taken off of course, a famous feature for all Wranglers when going off road. The all-electric concept seen here was equipped with autonomous driving tech that could also be used on an off-road trail as well. 

Don’t we already have autonomous driving tech in other cars?

Most autonomous driving tech till now depends heavily on information from maps for route navigation, and so is usually limited to built-up areas with proper roads and traffic signs. However, Jeep has a unique advantage here. As a brand renowned for off-roading vehicles, the company can integrate a navigation system for common off-roading trails that can be uploaded to the car’s system. Using the route map, its 4x4 drivetrain and the usual plethora of sensors, the electric Wrangler could very well drive itself in off-road environments as well. Of course, there are limits since it would be a bit much to expect the autonomous tech to match the Jeep’s ability to go where no path exists.

Additionally, the vehicle owner can track the vehicle’s progress remotely. If your future Wrangler has the drone scout package, you can even get a live feed of the car making its way to the desired location. 

How would this be useful?

The example used was of two adventurers giving their electric Wrangler a specific coordinate at the end of an off-road trail. While they hiked up to the spot on foot, the Wrangler would take the driveable route and would meet them at the summit, ready to carry them down. Everyone who has ever gone on a hike knows that the worst part is having to walk back afterwards but that’s not going to be a problem with tech like this.

Other new EV features to expect

Another cool feature of the next-gen electric Wrangler on display was the ability to lay the seats flat to the floor. This is thanks to the flat-floor EV layout that removes the transmission tunnel you’d find in ICE models. Jeep also showcased that the electric Wrangler could autonomously drive you up an off-road trail as you lie comfortably inside the cabin and look up at the night sky with the roof taken off, but the carmaker does not advise anyone to attempt this feat.

The autonomous off-road driving feature is expected to debut on Jeep SUVs by 2030 while the drone scout could be available by 2025. Other new features that are expected to debut on electrified Jeeps include facial recognition for vehicle access and vehicle-to-vehicle charging capabilities. The carmaker is also in the process of setting up solar-powered charging stations around popular off-roading trails to allow customers to top up without stress.

When will the electric Wrangler be launched?

Jeep could launch an all-electric Wrangler, based on the current-gen model, by as early as 2022. The Magneto concept was equipped with four battery packs for 70kWh of power and an electric motor that made 285PS and 370Nm for its 4xe drivetrain. There were no details regarding the range of charging times.

However, there will be a new-gen Wrangler with an all-electric variant that will likely be underpinned by Stellantis’ new STLA Frame platform. Nearly all of the features discussed above will debut on the new-gen electric Wrangler which is likely to arrive by 2025.This electric Wrangler will be capable of at least 500km on a full battery and have fast charging capabilities too.

Also read: Every Jeep SUV Will Have A Fully Electric Version By 2025

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