Mopar has showcased three concepts at the 2022 Sema. It includes the Ram 1500 TRX Gold Shot, the Ram 1500 Backcountry X, and the classic-vibing Jeep CJ Surge. While the Ram trucks are quite cool custom creations, it is the Jeep CJ Surge that got our undivided attention, not because of just how cool it is, but how confusing as well.
In their official press release, Jeep has been quite vague on the details of the electric powertrain used in this Electromod concept. There is no hint of any production idea sprouting out of this concept. The most obvious of which could have been to come up with an e-crate as Jeep has used a long-wheelbase CJ-6 as the clothing of this cool concept.
While we are left with questions on what the future unfolds for, Jeep must be appalled by the desirable marriage of classic off-roading appeal and an electrified heart of the current era. To spice things up, Jeep has given the CJ Surge Concept a bunch of meaty upgrades to jack up its off-roading appeal. The interior gets custom seats, but the dashboard has been retained for nostalgia. The vibrant paint job is contrasted by subtle electric blue trimmings across the exterior to remind of its all-electric boldness under the hood.
Can EVs finally replace brutish off-roaders? Not yet. Does this concept set an intriguing mood for what Jeep has in store with its upcoming all-electric 4X4? Yes! But sadly, this concept seems to be a case study for the engineers and designers, for now. But in the distant future, we can hopefully expect to see, either all-electric revivals of icons or, even better, a 4X4 EV conversion kit for aspiring off-roaders to go electric.
Based on a long-wheelbase CJ-6, the Jeep CJ Surge Concept is a beautiful Electromod that has intrigued us with more questions than answers!
The 268 HP Jeep CJ Surge Concept Spins All Fours On Electric Power
The Jeep CJ Surge Concept most likely is underpinned by the chassis from a Wrangler. The ICE heart has been swapped out of a scalable electric powertrain. The CJ Surge packs a 400V electric drive module that sends power to all four wheels via a custom two-speed transfer case with selectable gears.
The gearbox situation is enough to hint at how serious Jeep is looking into making all-electric off-roaders more sensible and less gimmicky. The motor pack is exactly where the engine used to be. And the 24 Li-Ion battery module (details of which are not disclosed) sits behind the seats for better weight distribution.
The CJ Surge Is Jeep's Idea Of A Classic-Vibing Electric Off-Roader
Jeep has given the CJ Surge Concept a serious off-roading makeover. Mopar has packed in a two-inch light kit. Adding more brawn are cool-looking 18-inch Black Rhino solid wheels wrapped with meaty 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
To make the CJ Surge truly off-road-worthy, Mopar packs it with Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) Dana 44 Crate axles at both ends. This elevates its rock-crawling capabilities. To keep things safe and sound, this all-electric off-roader comes with JPP Rubicon skid plates and rock rails.
Jeep CJ Surge Concept Design Stays True To The Icon
The Jeep CJ Surge has been retained well to be a time capsule, despite having an electrifying twist. The CJ-6 body stands unchanged and is painted in a vibrant orange shade of "Copper Canyon". Contrasting elements include a unique gloss black hood, gloss black grille, and various neat integrations of "Surge Blue" graphics.
Adding more off-roading visual appeal, the CJ Surge comes with JPP Wrangler JK Rubicon front bumper that is fitted with a Rubicon Warn winch and gets integrated fog lamps. The front bumper also flaunts two cool-looking "Surge Blue" tow hooks. The beefy off-road tires are overlaid with custom fender flares that give it a neat outlook.
Jeep CJ Surge Concept Interior Flaunts A Custom Old-School Experience
While the interior of this all-electric off-roader is all-custom, it still doesn't sway away from the old-school appeal. The dashboard gets painted in the same vibrant orange shade as the exterior with a contrasting black element that hides the glove box neatly. The instrument cluster is a custom Mopar unit that comes with a battery level indicator.
The detached center console sits low, includes a rotary shift knob, and is right off a Wrangler JK. The concept gets cool custom sports seats that are raised for a more commanding seating position. All of this sporty time capsule is cocooned in a custom roll cage and topped with a fabric roof. The charging port for the battery pack is located just behind the driver's seat.
Will The Iconic Jeep CJ Be Revived As An EV In The Future?
As we mentioned earlier, Jeep has confirmed the CJ Surge Concept as a case study for engineers and designers to understand the potential of an electric vehicle conversion kit. But for now, it is best to keep our hopes low and look forward to Jeep's all-electric off-roader that will drop pretty soon.
But in the future, when Jeep finds a sensible route in providing e-crates for the public, we might see classic Jeeps get a new lease of electrifying life. And this concept gives us the slightest hint on what to expect from classic off-roading electromods. And we are stroked already!
Source: Jeep