Stellantis is exploring a new way to power winches on its upcoming electric and hybrid off‑road models by linking the recovery device directly to an electric drive motor instead of the traditional 12‑volt system.
It could simplify production.
Related: Karma Amaris Hybrid Coupe Set for 2026 Launch
Patent shows winch could be driven by vehicle’s propulsion motor
The United States Patent and Trademark Office published a filing on Jan. 21, 2025 that details a gearbox arrangement allowing a winch mounted on a front bumper to draw power from the same electric motor that normally turns the wheels. The patent, submitted roughly a year earlier, describes a planetary gearbox that connects the motor to the front‑axle differential. In “winch mode,” the system would disengage the front wheels and lock the rear wheels with the parking brake, providing stability while the motor spins the winch spool.
The document notes the winch would retain the conventional bumper‑mount layout but would forgo its own dedicated electric motor. By using the vehicle’s main drive module—similar to the units the automaker plans to produce at its Indiana plant—the winch could become more compact and sit behind the bumper without adding aerodynamic drag.
Potential applications on Jeep and Ram models
The filing hints that integrated winches could appear on future electric off‑roaders such as the Jeep Recon, a Wrangler‑style SUV first announced in 2022 and recently highlighted in a Super Bowl advertisement. The same concept might also be offered on a more rugged version of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger plug‑in hybrid or the upcoming Ram 1500 REV EV. The REV EV has been delayed to late 2026, while the Ramcharger is slated for release later this year.
Related: Scientists recover 99.99 percent of lithium from batteries
Current buyers of off‑road vehicles often install aftermarket winches, but a factory‑integrated solution could simplify production and reduce the need for separate wiring and mounting brackets. The approach suggests a winch that can draw directly from the high‑torque output of an electric motor, potentially offering faster spool speeds than a conventional 12‑volt motor.
The company has not confirmed whether the technology will reach production, and the filing leaves many details—such as control software and durability testing—unaddressed. Nevertheless, the patent signals the automaker’s intent to blend traditional off‑road capability with the efficiencies of electric drivetrains.
