Gas Electric Hybrid Jeep

by Ed Perazzo
(Scotia, NY)

I am a retired machinist/ machine designer/ machine repair supervisor who has worked on cars all of my life. I own a 1952 JEEP CJ-5 with 56,000 miles on it and it is in good condition and drivable as is. I want to add electric drive to it by removing the front drive shaft and hooking up a 14 hp pm DC motor to the 5.38:1 gear ratio differential. This would give me a gas/electric hybrid that I could run on electricity only and have the ICE for back up, for hills and extended range. I have been searching the net and have not found anyone that has done this type of conversion. I would truly appreciate your opinion on whether this plan is feasible.

Hi, Ed -
Since you've been working on cars all your life, I'm going to assume you know what you're doing when it comes to hooking up the drive shaft and differential, and your instincts are probably quite good.

Sounds like you're describing a parallel hybrid, where either the ICE or the electric motor can move the wheels; certainly not unheard of.
Are you saying, electric on the front, ICE on the back? That's a little different, though much talked about. I do think it's feasible.

Most of us are hobbyists. You know how we find out if something is possible? We try it. If somebody tells you something can be done, they might be wrong. If somebody tells you something CAN'T be done, they might be wrong; )

Two things to keep in mind: You'll need a motor that can move the CJ-5. Make sure that motor is the right one before you buy it (talk to someone at evparts.com or beepscom.com). Two, a DC electric motor is different from an ICE motor, and can be pretty rough on an ICE drive train.

Best of luck, and stay in touch!

Regards,
Lynne