Can you convert Jeep Wrangler to electric?

Jeeps are a popular choice for an off-road enthusiast. They are durable, sturdy, and best suited for rough terrains. But have you been thinking about making your jeep wrangler electric? Well, you are in luck because that is what we are here to discuss.

In this article, we will talk about converting your jeep wrangler to an electric vehicle. We will discuss whether it is worth it and the conversion process. We will take a look into the cost as well.

Please Note: We will be talking about theoretical implementations. So, you won’t be able to go to any mechanic and get your jeep converted to electric. If you want to convert, you must do it at your own risk. But don’t worry, we will tell you everything you need to know.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s zap right into it.

Can you convert Jeep Wrangler to electric?

The theoretical answer is, “Yes, you can.” But practically speaking, it is not ideal. Considering that Jeeps are offroad vehicles. Turning them into electric vehicles will be a big mistake.

But the question is whether or not you can do it. And to answer that, we have to say yes. Some enthusiasts successfully theorized the perfect electric jeep.

Offroad electric vehicles aren’t ideal. We will learn more about this in the coming segments. But let us take a look at how you can convert your jeep into an electric vehicle.

How does an electric jeep wrangler work?

So, you want an electric jeep. Curious about how it works? Well, let’s take a look.

First, you must plug in the electric jeeps charge receptor to any electric outlet. What happens is that the AC power goes to the onboard charger, where it gets converted into high-voltage dc. Using a cable, it is connected to the battery. This allows the battery to charge.

Now, when you want to drive, you draw power from the high-voltage battery to the electric motor. The electric motor runs on ac power so you will need an inverter.

Pro tip: You will need liquid cooling technology for both the inverter and the onboarding charger as it gets very hot due to the high voltage.

Now, with a proper current flow from your outlet to your battery to your motor, you will be able to drive your new electric jeep.

This is just a general idea of how this technology works. Let us learn how to build this electric jeep. We will first go through the components and then proceed with our step-by-step guide.

Parts necessary for conversion.

To convert your jeep wrangler to electric, you need some extra parts to replace the current gasoline model. So, let us familiarize ourselves with the components necessary for this conversion.

High Voltage Battery
Electric Motor
Inverter

Battery Management System (BMS)
Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)
Vehicle-Controlling Interface/ Controller

On-board Charger
DC/DC Converter
High-voltage cables

Electric Pumps
Custom made Coupler
Charging Port

These are the main components you will need for the conversion. Now, let us move on to the next segment, where we will begin our step-by-step guide.

How to convert a jeep wrangler to electric? 7 Easy Steps

Before starting the conversion process, get the appropriate conversion kit for the model you are using. Be sure to remove all unnecessary components like the exhaust, gas tank, engine, and radiator. Because you will be replacing them with electrical substitutes.

So, let us begin the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Installing the Electric Motor

You have to install the electric motor in the engine compartment or in the cross-brace between the two frame members. Connect the motor to the Transmission. You will need an Adapter Plate or a Custom-made Coupler to secure it. Now, Install the motor in the compartment.

Step 2: Installing the Vehicle-Controlling Interface

You will need a new vehicle-controlling interface because it won’t need the previous carburetor. Follow the manual to install the new interface.

Step 3: Mounting the Battery

You can mount the batter on the engine, the trunk or the empty gas tank space. Make sure they are properly mounted and balanced. This will minimize the vibration frequency on the road.

Step 4: Rewiring the Wiring System

Attach the motor and battery to the controlling interface. You need to rewire the previous electric wires to the radio, lights, and other electric systems.

Step 5: Installing Electric Braking System

Now, this is an important part. You need to replace your brakes. Most vehicles come equipped with hydraulic brakes, and you need to convert them into electric brakes.

Pro tip: Using regenerative brakes will recycle some energy back to your battery. Hence prolonging the usage.

Step 6: Change the Hydraulic Powering System

Your vehicle runs on the hydraulic powering system, but since you want to go electric, you need to replace them. Using the conversion kit, you can install electric hydraulic pumps as an alternative.

Step 7: Installing the Charging System

This is the last step! Install the charging port on the fuel tank door or the hood. They are the ideal place for installation.

Pro tip: You can add a voltmeter to check the percentage of your battery while operating.

Here is a quick youtube video that will help you understand the process:

How much does it cost to convert a jeep wrangler to electric?

This will be a costly project. Turning your jeep wrangler into an electric vehicle will cost you a lot of money. The conversion kit will cost you around 40,000$. This will include all the necessary components mentioned in the article.

However, you can cut down the cost if you have any of the mentioned components. You can use recycled material as well.

You won’t find the conversion kit yet. It is still in progress. Hopefully, within a few months, you will be able to purchase it.

Benefits of converting jeep wrangler to electric: Is it worth it?

No, it is not worth it. It is not worth it because jeep wranglers are off-road vehicles. Making them electric will be challenging.

People use jeep wranglers for rough terrains and off-roading. Making the jeep electric will require lots of energy to function. And driving outside the city, you won’t have access to electrical outlets to charge your vehicle.

So, you will be stranded in the middle of the road. Which is not an ideal situation.

But hey, if you drive in the city and want to use the jeep to preserve the environment, go ahead and convert to electric. It might cost you a lot but if money is not an issue, go for it.

Retaining the true value of a jeep will be useless if you make it electric. But it can be done, and you can still use it. But that is not why most people purchase a jeep wrangler.

Final Thoughts

Clean energy is a necessity in this day and age. Electric energy helps us be environmentally friendly and preserve nature. So, converting to electricity is a good way to do so.

But Jeep Wranglers are used for a different reason. Making them electric will harm their efficiency and make them less useful for the situation. But nevertheless, it can be converted into an electric vehicle.

We covered some important aspects in this article. Be sure to check out more.

Till then, Keep Driving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to convert jeeps to electric?

Answer: Yes, it is safe. Using the right components, you can transform your jeep wrangler into an EV.

Will the electric jeep perform like a gasoline jeep?

Answer: No. Using an electric jeep will harm the usability of the jeep, which is driving on rough terrain. Gasoline jeep doesn’t have this problem. You can refill anywhere you wish because it is accessible, or you can borrow from another car. But your electric battery will drain in tough conditions. So, it is safe to say your electric jeep won’t have the same performance.

What is a conversion kit?

Answer: A conversion kit has all the essentials you will need to convert your vehicle into an EV. They have all the components and manual to help you safely transform your vehicle into an electric vehicle.

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Can you convert Jeep Wrangler to electric?

Can you convert Jeep Wrangler to electric?

How does an electric jeep wrangler work?

Parts necessary for conversion.