EV Off-Roader
Over the last few years, electric vehicles have steadily joined the mainstream marketplace. EVs are available as sedans, sports cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks, but there aren’t many dedicated off-roaders with EV powertrains. There are electric vehicles that have some capability for off-pavement excursions, but there hasn’t been an electric powertrain explicitly created for an off-road vehicle. Magna has developed such a powertrain, and now the company is working to see that it is adopted for production by a mainstream vehicle manufacturer.

What is Magna?
Magna is one of the largest global suppliers to the auto industry, providing everything from electronics to powertrain components with almost every major car company as a customer. The company recently invested more than $500 million in expansion and new production facilities in Michigan. Part of this expansion is to increase the supply of battery housings for General Motors, specifically for the Hummer EV and future products on that same electric platform.

Protype Off-Roader
With the idea of marketing its electric powertrain, Magna recently built a prototype vehicle using its eBeam electric motors. Showcasing how these motors can easily be integrated into an existing vehicle that is fully capable of off-road adventures, Magna created a fully electric Jeep Gladiator. The Magna EtelligentTerrain system manages the electric powertrain.

Electric Powertrain
The eBeam is based on the traditional beam axle but with an electric motor and gearbox built into the center of the axle. The prototype features a steerable eBeam at the front and a more powerful eBeam at the rear. The combined power output is 426 kW (571 horsepower).

Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator made an ideal test bed for the prototype, and integrating the electric motors showcases the simplicity of this solution. Replacing the axles with eBeam motors, the Jeep’s suspension, chassis, and braking system can remain stock, making this an inexpensive way of electrifying existing vehicles with little integration costs. Magna’s control software takes advantage of the high power and torque, managing it via specific off-road driving modes, including crawl, auto hill ascent/descent, and an e-selectable low range.

Zero-Emission Off-Roader
The result is a zero-emission and powerful electric vehicle that can handle everyday driving as well as exhibit extreme off-road capability, which is why the Gladiator was an excellent choice to showcase the system.

Behind the Wheel
Magna invited us out to the Holly Oaks off-road park north of Detroit, MI, to experience this innovative drive system, and we came away quite impressed. The Gladiator is already an excellent off-road vehicle, and the electric powertrain just makes it better.

Plenty of Power
Power is never lacking, and delivery is smooth and controllable. Torque is available instantly, ideal for rock climbing when you want to apply precise power. There’s no waiting for the engine to rev; the power is always at the ready.

Versatile
Showing its versatility, the electric Jeep delivered confident traction when dealing with deep sand and mud as well as at high speed on loose surfaces. And best of all, the Jeep moved through the terrain in complete silence with zero emissions.

Maybe Coming Soon?
Magna does not sell directly to the consumer, so you can’t just buy its electric motors and convert your own Jeep, but the company is hopeful that its technology will make sense for at least one car company – if not more – for use in future electric off-road vehicles.