by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
A concept within a concept.
That’s what Jeep and Mopar brought out to the Nevada desert this year for the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show.
A concept within a concept.
Officially, the thing is named Jeep CJ Surge and it definitely demands attention with an orange and black paint scheme that has it looking very much like something that should be in Philadelphia with the city’s Flyers hockey team. Well, with the exception of that baby blue hue that the brand uses in all their electrified offerings.
It also takes a striking resemblance to the brand’s CJ66 concept from a few years ago, offering up many of the same exterior design cues.
From there, though, things take a turn as Jeep has custom designed this vehicle with an efficient battery-electric propulsion system designed for older, classic Jeep models.
Call it the electromod concept. Within a concept.
“With a spotlight on electrification, Mopar is in a great position to fully enhance the customer experience with quality-tested, factory-backed parts and accessories,” said Mark Bosanac, North America senior vice president of Mopar service, parts and customer care. “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.
Electromod basically is a full propulsion system that will eventually allow older Jeep owners to convert their classic vehicles into something with zero-emissions. While still a work in progress and not yet available, the results from Surge will allow engineers to gain a better understanding of how the whole electromod process should work.
Surge itself utilizes a scalable 400-volt, 200-kW Electric Drive Module under the hood that mounts to the frame with custom-designed solid motor mounts. Power to all four wheels is supplied by 24 lithium-ion battery modules and torque runs through a two-speed Jeep transfer case with selectable gearing. Battery modules are enclosed in a custom shell mounted in the rear of the passenger cabin.
Underneath the vehicle sits a Mopar two-inch lift kit that helps provide plenty of clearance, while 35-inch all-terrain BFGoodrich tires wrapped around 18x9 Black Rhino solid wheels offer plenty of available traction.
Up front sits a JPP JK Rubicon bumper kit, along with winch, surf blue tow hooks, amber LED fog lamps and some EV-specific items like charging port and battery gauge.
Inside, custom black seats offset the orange exterior paint and both seats sit on custom-designed seat risers that help with elevated viewing. Custom steering wheel, unique JPP horn pad badge, custom roll cage and fabric top round out the special modifications.
Surge sits inside the Jeep/Mopar booth inside SEMA’s South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. SEMA runs November 1-4.
