One of the concept vehicles at the 2022 SEMA Show that really caught my eye was the Jeep CJ Surge Concept which took a vintage Jeep CJ and electro-modded it with an electric motor and battery system that Stellantis says is helping them get their head around the idea and ways to provide crate setups for custom builders and electro-modders down the road.
Keeping it simple, the CJ Surge uses a modern day 400-volt electric motor that is more than likely identical to the ones that will be powering RAM, Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge EVs very soon. Only here they have mounted it to a conventional automatic transmission and two-speed transfer case.
Under the hood a number of rather familiar looking components along with custom aluminum mounting adapters for the motor to transmission and mounts. The electric motor with its 400-Volt emblemology produces 200 kW of power or about 268 horsepower. And as Jeep tells us, this motor family is very scalable – meaning that a lot more power can be made available.
Powering the motor is a custom-built 50 kWh battery mounted in the rear cargo area with 24 lithium-ion battery modules inside. At least in this build, it takes up all the space so this is definitely a two-seater. Range estimates were not given but considering the battery size likely 100-150 miles.
While it might roll whisper quiet, it definitely looks like a Jeep. It sits high and mighty with a 2-inch lift kit, special fender flares and a set of 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires mounted to some downright awesome looking solid Black Rhino wheels. I really like these wheels a lot.
It’s painted in a shade of metallic orange called Copper Canyon and features a 3D printed black stripe with graphic elements front to rear with Surf Blue accents along the way. Surf Blue the official color of Jeep 4xe, also shows up in the town hooks. A concept hood and the grille are painted gloss black and set in it are a pair of LED headlights.
Other custom visuals include a cool EV emblem modeled after the vintage Jeep V8 emblems of the past – nice touch. Instead of a gas cap, a charge port is located just behind the driver-side door opening.
Modern day mods include a JPP Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kit, JPP Rubicon Warn winch and JPP Rubicon skid and front-bumper plates underneath. Experimental JPP rock rails are also shown here.
From behind the wheel you will notice a 2-inch cropped windshield and a custom dash outfitted with a charge meter. The center console features a Wrangler JK center console and a rotary shift knob. Seats are custom upholstered and designed with Surf Blue stitching over black Sedoso cloth and houndstooth fabric.
Topping it all off are a custom-built roll cage and bikini top with more Surf Blue accents.
