Jeep’s Electric Recon Could Hide a Winch in the Frunk

Jeep’s Electric Off-Roader Is Almost Here

The Recon EV is Jeep’s first real shot at an all-electric off-roader, and it’s shaping up to be more than just a concept. Jeep is aiming to keep all the familiar traits – removable doors, real off-road chops, and a look that’s built for adventure – even as it swaps gas for batteries.

But what really stands out is how the Recon EV lets Jeep rethink the basics – like where to put a winch. It’s a small detail, but one that matters when you’re deep in the rough stuff.

A new patent filing gives us a peek at Jeep’s thinking. Filed in August 2024 (patent no. 20260054533, if you want to dig it up), it describes an EV with a winch tucked inside the front end instead of hanging off the bumper. The diagrams look unmistakably Jeep, right down to the grille.

The patent doesn’t name the Recon EV outright, but the timing and the off-road details in the drawings make it pretty clear where this idea could end up.

An Internal Winch for an Electric Vehicle

Normally, off-road winches get bolted right onto the front bumper. That’s simple and easy to reach, but it’s not perfect. Extra weight up front, worse aerodynamics, and all those moving parts left out in the open for mud and water to find.

Instead of hanging the winch outside, the patent’s design hides it inside the front compartment, otherwise known as “frunk,” supported by the chassis rails and sitting just above the EV’s drive components.

And, just in case you’re wondering, the cable still feeds out through a small slot in the front fascia, guided along the way so it spools out cleanly. From the outside, you use the winch like normal, but all the hardware stays protected inside.

Jeep’s design also calls for mounting the winch to strong structural points, so it can handle real recovery loads. There’s mention of storage and protective covers, too, which should keep the winch isolated from the rest of the front end.

Why It Makes Sense for Electric Off-Roaders

Putting the winch inside brings real benefits, especially for an electric off-roader. Aerodynamics matter more than ever with EVs, since every bit of drag cuts into range. Bulky bolt-ons up front just make that worse.

Keeping the winch tucked away also means less exposure to water, dust, and trail hits. Plus, you get a cleaner front end – no need for a heavy aftermarket mount sticking out. For the Recon EV, this could be a smart factory option. No more aftermarket hacks – just a winch built in from day one.

Of note, Jeep has not confirmed whether this system will appear on the Recon EV or any future models. Patents and trademarks are often filed to protect ideas and engineering concepts, and they are not a guarantee that the technology will reach production vehicles.

All this comes at the right time. The Recon EV is nearly ready for production, and Jeep is clearly thinking about how to bring real off-road tools into the electric age. If this hidden winch makes it to showrooms, it could be a sign of how Jeep plans to keep its trail cred – even as it goes electric.

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