Mopar, the parts and accessories arm of Stellantis, is debuting a modified classic Jeep at this week’s SEMA show that could preview a future electric crate motor option.
The Jeep CJ Surge concept will be displayed at the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
The company has taken a Jeep CJ7 and ditched the combustion engine for an electric powertrain, featuring a 400-volt 200kW electric motor mounted to the frame underneath the bonnet.
Power is delivered to all four wheels through a two-speed transfer case with selectable gearing.
24 lithium-ion battery modules are enclosed in a custom shell, mounted at the back of the passenger cabin.
No range figures are available as this is a one-off.
Mopar used the Jeep CJ Surge electromod concept “to explore an efficient battery-electric propulsion system for classic Jeep models” and hopes to use its engineering findings to offer a propulsion system that enables owners to convert their classic and current vehicles into zero-emission vehicles.
While the energy system demonstrates how a classic Jeep can be electrified, the model’s aesthetics have received an overhaul too.
On show as a ‘true Jeep 4X4’, the CJ Surge sits on 18×9-inch Black Rhino Solid wheels in 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres.
There are prominent fender flares, while the CJ Surge features a two-inch lift kit.
The vintage CJ body has had a glow-up, with the body painted in bright orange Copper Canyon and featuring glossy black and Surf Blue graphics and accents.
Exterior upgrades include a custom roll cage, a Jeep Performance Parts front winch, tow hooks on both sides, amber LED fog lamps, and an EV charging port next to the driver-side door.
Inside, custom seats have been installed with concept seat risers and feature black Sedoso cloth upholstery with houndstooth fabric inserts and Surf Blue stitching.
It’s received the centre console from a Wrangler JK and a rotary shifter knob, while the instrument panel now indicates the remaining charge.
“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,” said Mark Bosanac, the North America senior vice president of Mopar service, parts and customer care.
Ford revealed an electric crate motor last year called the Eluminator, which produces 210kW of power and 430Nm of torque. It’s the same electric motor used in a Mustang Mach-E GT, and is priced at US$4340 ($6773) albeit without the battery, control systems or traction inverter necessary to build a complete car.
Chevrolet has also revealed an electric crate motor called eCrate.
The Jeep CJ Surge concept model is one of three concept models being shown by Mopar at the SEMA in Las Vegas, sitting alongside two Ram concepts.
Ram 1500 TRX Gold Shot Concept 
Ram 1500 Backcountry X Concept 
The Ram 1500 TRX Gold Shot takes the lairy TRX and adds a raft of visual enhancements, including a unique black, yellow and gold colour scheme and custom-designed, Vintage Bronze 18×9.5-inch Black Rhino Chamber wheels on 37-inch BFGoodrich tyres.
The Ram 1500 Backcountry X Concept is a more sedate, practical concept that features new RamPack compartments atop the standard RamBox storage units on each side of the tub. These are accessible via a carbon-fibre hatch-type panel.
SEMA will run for the next four days with brands such as Nissan also set to showcase concepts at the show.
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