Jeep CJ Surge Showcased At SEMA Is The Ultimate 4x4 Retro EV

Published November 1, 2022
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3 min read

It’s helping Jeep develop an electric module that could someday help convert an ICE Jeep to an EV

Jeep CJ Surge concept showcases the latest Jeep and Mopar performance parts.
It’s powered by a 272PS electric powertrain paired with bespoke drivetrain components.
It’ll help the carmaker develop a future solution for EV modification of retro Jeeps.
Jeep has already revealed its first EV, the Avenger, that will enter production in 2023.

At this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Jeep has unveiled a new retro EV concept called the CJ Surge. It looks like a CJ-series Jeep from the 1980s on the outside, but has a completely new electric drive system under the skin.

How cool is the Jeep CJ Surge?

“With a spotlight on electrification, Mopar is in a great position to fully enhance the customer experience with quality-tested, factory-backed parts and accessories. The Jeep CJ Surge concept explores a future zero-emission propulsion system kit and supports the Jeep brand’s mission to become the leading electrified SUV brand in the world.” – Mark Bosanac, North America Senior Vice President at Mopar.

The Jeep CJ Surge concept EV is a door-less, two-seater off-roader modified with bespoke Mopar components. It has a retro Copper Canyon orange paintwork with black accents. It has Surf Blue graphics on the body and matte black 18-inch wheels that signify that it’s an EV.

If the proportions look a bit different, that’s because the windshield is cropped by two inches. The Jeep CJ Surge is raised for off-roading with a two-inch lift kit and 35-inch all-terrain tyres.

It’s powered by a scalable 400-volt battery with 24 modules placed in a custom-built shell at the back. A 272PS e-motor replaces the old CJ’s ICE engine, providing power to all four wheels via a selectable two-speed Jeep transfer case. The CJ Surge has front and rear Dana 44 Crate axles from Jeep Performance Parts (JPP). It also gets a winch at the front, skid plates and rock rails.

The Jeep CJ Surge has been built using JPP components, so these modifications can be replicated on any CJ Jeep depending on the availability of the parts. Even the drivetrain in this concept could be developed into a solution for converting classic vehicles into EVs.

Jeep’s Electric Future

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Jeep has been experimenting with electric drivetrains for off-roading vehicles for a while now. The Wrangler-based Magneto and Magneto 2.0 concepts were tested at Moab, Utah, in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Now, the CJ Surge concept shows that even retro Jeeps can handle a powerful electric drivetrain.

The carmaker has already revealed its first electric SUV, the Avenger, that will be launched in European markets in 2023. Jeep has three other SUVs in the works, and you can find out more about Jeep’s EV plans in our other stories below:

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The Jeep CJ Surge concept EV has us excited for Jeep’s upcoming electric off-roaders. If Jeep does come up with a ‘crate’ (aftermarket) version of its EV powertrain in the future, it’ll surely spawn a number of interesting electric off-roaders. All-electric Willys Jeep, anyone?

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