Jeep Wrangler CJ Surge electric SUV concept debuts at SEMA

Last SEMA show was all about heavily modified cars with big block engines under the hood. But the days of the big V-8 and V-12 engines are coming to an end, and at the same time, SEMA needs to change. It all kicks off this year when Mopar comes to Las Vegas with a pretty interesting one Wrangler, which will ditch the big V-8 engine in favor of an all-electric powertrain. Called the CJ Surge, the concept is intended to preview powertrain details and applications for future electric vehicle conversions.

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268 horsepower and a lot of potential under the hood

Jeep Wrangler CJ Concept

The CJ Surge concept is powered by an all-new scalable 400-volt electric drive module that delivers a total of 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower). The new drivetrain mounts to the concept’s frame with custom-designed rigid engine mounts and sends power to all four wheels via a two-speed Jeep transfer case with gear selection. The electric motor receives energy from 24 lithium-ion battery modules installed in the cabin, where the rear seats are usually located. Of course, that means the concept only offers interior room for two people. The charging port is located just behind the driver’s side door opening.

Electric in the heart, off-road in the head

Jeep Wrangler CJ Concept

The concept rides on 18-by-9-inch Black Rhino Solid wheels finished in Matte Black with contrasting Surf Blue accents on the rim beads. The wheels are dressed in 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires paired with a 2.0-inch lift kit. The concept’s off-road capabilities are further enhanced by the addition of Jeep Performance Parts Dana 44 Crate front and rear axles.

The concept is finished in gorgeous Copper Canyon paint paired with Gloss Black and Surf Blue accents. As for the exterior, the concept is equipped Wrangler JK Rubicon bumpers, JPP Rubicon Warn winch, Surf Blue tow bars and Yellow LED fog lights. JPP Rubicon Skid Plates, JPP Front Bumper Plates and JPP Rails provide additional protection for off-road expeditions.

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Jeep Wrangler CJ Concept

Once inside, you’ll find new custom seats upholstered in black Sedoso fabric with Surf Blue stitching. Other updates include a Wrangler JK center console with a rotary shifter, a custom steering wheel with a unique JPP horn badge, and a new Mopar instrument cluster that will also display battery life information. As it is a concept built for off-roading, it features a custom-built frame, and a custom-shaped bikini top provides protection from the sun and rain. Finally, the concept wouldn’t be complete without a set of Mopar all-weather floor mats.

Definitely don’t wait for the CJ Surge The concept will go into production somedaybut Jeep says it will allow “Mopar designers and engineers to gain a better understanding of the potential applications of battery electric vehicle (BEV) parts kits, leading to future powertrain offerings for enthusiasts building or converting classic and modern cars and trucks into zero-emission vehicles “.