Mopar unveils its electric Jeep 'CJ Surge'
At the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) exhibition, which opens today, Mopar will display a late-model Jeep CJ with an electric motor put in. An electric Jeep CJ was the star of a trio of fascinating concept cars revealed by Stellantis' OEM accessories subsidiary, Mopar. A restored rebirth of vintage American muscle vehicles is possible, which would be even more fascinating given the battery-electric technology that underpins it.
The six-cylinder factory engine is replaced by a 270PS electric motor powered by an expandable 400-volt design in this EV restomod project. The battery pack is made up of 24 lithium-ion modules with a combined capacity of 50 kWh, all of which are housed in a specially-made shell that is positioned at the back of the cabin, behind the seats.
Much of the original drivetrain, including the gearbox, transfer case, and differentials, is still there in this vehicle. Since there doesn't appear to be a shifter lever in this car anymore, a contemporary PRND rotary selector for an automatic gearbox that was stolen from previous Stellantis models appears to be the only way to change gears.
The car features a 2-inch raise, custom roll cage, large 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch Black Rhino Solid rims, and even a 2-inch cropped windshield. It also rides on bespoke suspension and has a 2-inch lift. The latter is combined with specially made risers for the two seats to provide a higher driving position than standard.
However, this idea likely serves as a preview of Mopar's entry into the electric crate motor market, similar to many other electric restomods that manufacturers have presented at SEMA over the previous few years. Automakers like Ford and Chevrolet, Jeep and Mopar's two major traditional rivals, as well as a number of smaller specialized businesses, already have them on the market, and it appears that Mopar is testing the waters with these concepts.
