Mopar – Stellantis’ performance parts and accessories division – has an interesting Jeep concept for this year’s SEMA event. It didn’t feature a monstrous V8 under the hood – it didn’t even have a combustion engine at all – because the Jeep CJ Surge debuted to look at future zero-emissions powertrain parts and applications for EV conversions. Yes, you read that right – this is a vintage-looking electric Jeep off-roader.
Don’t let the classic design fool you – there’s a completely new propulsion system under the hood, consisting of a 400-volt electric drive module with a peak output of 268 horsepower (200 kilowatts). The drive system attaches to the vehicle frame with a newly designed solid motor mount and sends power to all four wheels via a two-speed transfer box with selectable gears.
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Electrical energy for this system is stored in 24 lithium-ion battery modules enclosed in a solid shell mounted at the rear of the cab. The charging port is located behind the driver’s door. The battery pack has a capacity of 50 kWh, although Mopar did not reveal the range and performance figures for the off-roader concept.
That’s because the CJ Surge was designed and built with a focus on off-road capability and rides on 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires in combination with a 2-inch lift kit. You can even expect a decent rock crawl thanks to the Jeep Performance Parts Dana 44 Crate front and rear axles.
Aesthetically, the CJ Surge concept offers visual enhancements in the form of a Wrangler JK Rubicon bumper and Warn winch, plus new LED headlights. The exterior is finished in Copper Canyon with gloss black and Surf Blue accents. Inside the cabin, there are new custom seats, cropped windshield and Wrangler JK center console.
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While there are no plans for a production version of the concept, Mopar said it is exploring “future propulsion system offerings for enthusiasts to build or convert classic and current cars and trucks into zero-emissions vehicles.”
