Michigan company offers EV conversion of first Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Jeep plans to launch an electric Wagoneer in 2024 and previewed the vehicle last week with the near-production Wagoneer S Concept.

But fans of the original SJ Grand Wagoneer can also jump on the EV bandwagon, thanks to Michigan startup The Ghost Garage, which is working on an electric conversion for the SUV icon.

Details are still to come, as the conversion will be available next year, but The Ghost Garage has already confirmed a range of over 250 miles and a peak output of 500 hp. The company will use a 1989-1991 model year Grand Wagoneer, the last of the SJ generation.

The order book is now open, with prices for turnkey vehicles starting at $290,000. While this is certainly a hefty price tag, The Ghost Garage will perform a full restoration of the vehicle in addition to an electric powertrain swap. The restoration will extend to the interior of the vehicle and will include safety upgrades. A warranty will also be included.

The Ghost Garage was co-founded by Tim Smith, CEO of Osirius, a Detroit engineering firm specializing in vehicle development, process integration, and tool integration.

"A new generation of buyers is entering the classic car market, looking for a blend of tradition and technology. The Ghost Garage was conceived to break the hobby store approach to restomods by offering the same level of quality and efficiency as luxury automotive brands."

The growing popularity of EVs in recent years has spawned a number of EV conversion companies, with names such as Everrati and Lunaz making headlines recently. Even major automakers like Ford, Jaguar, Mini, and Volkswagen are offering options for some of their classic cars.