EXPO

From Classic to Electric: Carter Chandler’s EV Conversion of a 1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler

July 23, 2024

Carter Chandler’s EV conversion of a 1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler used an ElectricGT e-Crate 413.
The EV conversion includes a 53kWh battery pack, Speedhut Jeep CJ-style EV gauges, and a Bosch iBooster electric brake booster.
The Jeep was showcased at SEMA 2022, where it received overwhelming positive reception, and won multiple awards at Electrify Expo Denver 2024.

Carter Chandler’s journey started like many car enthusiasts. He had a deep love for Jeeps, enjoyed hands-on projects, and was always curious to try something new. From Denver, Colorado, Carter has a story that goes beyond restoring his 1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler. It’s filled with innovation and a deep passion for EV conversion.

“I have been a Jeep nut for as long as I can remember,” Carter admits. His collection over the years includes CJs, TJs, JKs, and now a JT Gladiator. However, the Jeep Scrambler held a special place in his heart. It was unique, rare, and the perfect candidate for a full frame restoration. Finding one in decent shape on a farm two hours south of Denver felt like fate.

Carter Chandler - 1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler Electrify Showoff Denver

Initially, Carter planned a traditional engine swap. However, after discovering the DIY Electric Car forum and watching the Electric Classic Cars TV show, he was inspired to try something different. The thought of an EV conversion became irresistible. “I quickly went down the rabbit hole,” he recalls, leading him to reach out to various EV conversion suppliers.

ElectricGT stood out with their “crate” approach to conversions. Their experience converting vehicles like the Toyota FJ and Defender 110, similar to Jeeps, convinced Carter this was the path to follow. The appeal of pre-built battery boxes, HV junction boxes, and wiring harnesses ensured safety and reliability, saving time and hassle.

The Jeep Scrambler, now equipped with an ElectricGT e-Crate 413, features impressive specs: 200 kW (275 hp) of power and 550 Nm (406 ft-lb) of torque. The build features a 53kWh battery pack and a 6.6kW level 2 charger/DC-DC converter combo. It also includes important components like the AEM VCU & BMS and a Painless Performance Jeep CJ 12v wiring harness. These details highlight the careful planning and precise execution behind the project.

Carter’s Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler came with its share of challenges. He faced unexpected rust during the restoration and had to deal with limited space in the engine bay for the EV charger, battery packs, and 12V battery. Each obstacle required determination and creativity. “I decided to go with a bed-mounted utility box to mount the charger and smallest battery pack, and it worked out well,” he explains.

Showing his Jeep at SEMA 2022 was a turning point for Carter. With just a few weeks to get ready, he and the ElectricGT team worked tirelessly to make the Jeep shine. “The reception was overwhelming and exceedingly positive,” Carter recalls. After SEMA, the Jeep went back to ElectricGT for some final touches, then returned to Denver. It was there that it finally ran under its own power for the first time.

The build’s success isn’t just about the impressive specs. It’s also about how modern technology blends seamlessly with classic design. Carter’s favorite modification is the Speedhut Jeep CJ-style EV gauges. Other thoughtful details include the Bosch iBooster electric brake booster and the Volvo electric hydraulic power steering pump. Every detail has been carefully thought out.

Carter’s 1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler has become a showstopper at various events, winning awards like Best Paint, Best Truck, and Best EV Conversion at Electrify Showoff Driven by Yokohama Tire in Denver. But beyond the accolades, it’s the community and the journey that matter most to him. “If you’re a first-timer DIYer like I am, don’t be afraid to put yourself and your project out there,” he advises. The EV community is welcoming and supportive, always ready to share knowledge and lend a hand.

For more information on Electrify Showoff, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff and follow on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.

2024 Electrify Expo Schedule

Date	Location
March 16-17	Orlando, FL (new location for 2024)
May 4-5	Phoenix, AZ (new location for 2024)
May 31-June 2	Long Beach, CA
July 13-14	Denver, CO (new location for 2024)
August 24-25	San Francisco, CA
September 14-15	Seattle, WA
October 12-13	Long Island, NY
November 8-10	Austin, TX

OWNER/VEHICLE DETAILS

Owner: Carter Chandler
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Vehicle: 1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
Horsepower: Power: 200 kW (275 hp), Torque: 550 Nm (406 ft-lb)
Instagram: jeep_scrambler_ev

ELECTRIFY SHOWOFF AWARDS

Show	Category
Electrify Showoff Denver, CO 2024	Best Paint presented by Meguiar’s, Best Truck, Best EV Conversion presented by POR 15

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

Category	Description
Performance Electronics	AEM VCU & BMS Painless Performance Jeep CJ 12v wiring harness
Powertrain	ElectricGT e-Crate 413 53kWh battery pack 6.6kW level 2 charger/DCDC converter combo unit
Wheels & Tires	Factory wheels 31×10.50 BFGoodrich AT II tires
Steering & Brakes	Bosch iBooster electric brake booster from a Tesla Model S Factory front disc brakes TSM MFG rear disc brake conversion kit Volvo electric hydraulic power steering pump w/ GPS CAN controller
Chassis & Suspension	Throttle Down Kustoms CJ-8 frame BDS YJ Spring Conversion Kit w/ 2” Lift Springs Tremec TR-4050 5-speed manual transmission with custom motor adapter Factory Dana 300 transfer case Factory front & rear axles with upgraded links, joints & axle shafts and a rear Detroit TruTrac limited slip differential
Exterior	Jeep F8 Green Metallic paint done by Mile High Classics in Denver Factory reproduction Scrambler graphics from Phoenix Graphics
Lighting	All lighting swapped for LEDs including Quadratec Jeep CJ LED headlights/taillights kit
Interior	Speedhut Jeep CJ-style EV gauges CJ reproduction seat upholstery kit
Audio & Multimedia	Retro Manufacturing Jeep CJ Radio Hogtunes 5.25” front speakers