When converting your Jeep Cherokee to electric, it's easy to focus on big components like the motor or battery. But there's a small yet crucial component responsible for keeping all the "little" systems in your vehicle running: the DC-DC Converter. Think of it as a "power translator"—your main battery pack outputs high voltage (typically 96V to 400V or higher), but devices like headlights, radios, power windows, and even the dashboard still need traditional low voltage (12V or 24V), just like in a gas-powered Cherokee. Choose the wrong DC-DC converter, and you might find yourself with dim lights, a dead radio, or even a vehicle that won't start in the middle of a trail. Here's how to choose a DC-DC converter that will keep your electric Cherokee running smoothly on any terrain.

Let's explain with a simple analogy. Your EV's main battery is like a huge, high-pressure water tower providing powerful flow to the drive motor. But what about all the small electronics in your Cherokee? They're like small faucets that can only handle low pressure. The DC-DC converter's job is to take high-voltage power from the main battery and "step it down" to a stable 12V (or 24V) to ensure these accessory systems get the power they need. At the same time, it charges your 12V auxiliary battery (yes, you still need one!)—functioning like the alternator in a gas vehicle.

The first rule in choosing a DC-DC converter: its input voltage range must cover your main battery's operating voltage.

• If you're using a 96V battery pack (common in medium-power conversions), look for a converter labeled "Input: 80V-120V" (some range helps accommodate voltage fluctuations).
• If using a ~400V high-voltage pack (trending for high-performance conversions), choose a model with "Input: 250V-450V" or similar range.

Why a range? Your main battery's voltage isn't constant—it drops slightly as it discharges. A converter with too narrow an input range (e.g., only 72V) might stop working when the battery voltage drops to 68V, leaving all 12V systems dead.

Output current determines how much 12V power the converter can provide, measured in amperes (A). For a fully-featured Cherokee, you need at least 50A continuous output current. Here's why: your Jeep has more electronics than you might think. Let's estimate: headlights (10A), sound system (5A), four power windows (peak up to 15A), instrument & body control modules (5A), fans & water pumps (10A)—that's already over 45A. Add winch standby (5-10A), LED light bars (10-20A), or power for camping gear (like a fridge), and total demand easily reaches 60A or higher.

A 50A converter is a solid starting point, but for headroom and peak loads, we recommend models with 60A to 80A continuous output. This gives you room to add more gear later and ensures you won't overload or overheat the converter when using all systems simultaneously on the trail.

Your DC-DC converter won't live in a clean garage—it'll be in the Cherokee's engine bay or underbody, meaning it must tolerate mud, water splash, severe vibration, and extreme temperatures. Here are the key points to ensure its survival:

Ingress Protection (IP Rating)

Aim for IP67 or higher. IP67 means completely dust-tight and can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes—critical for stream crossings or accidental mud splashes. IP65 protection is too weak, only guarding against rain, not true off-road harshness.

Operating Temperature Range

Cherokees can run from desert heat (over 50°C) to snowy trails (below -20°C). Look for converters with wide operating temperature ranges, like -40°C to +85°C. Brands like Samlex America produce models designed specifically for harsh environments, ensuring they won't fail in extreme weather.

Vibration Resistance & Construction

Off-road terrain is rough. Choose converters with metal housings (good for heat dissipation) and internal potting or secure mounting designs to prevent internal components or connections from loosening due to constant vibration. Victron's series designed for automotive applications typically excel here.

You don't want to buy a converter that's too large to fit in your Cherokee's limited space. Most 60-80A converters are roughly the size of a small toolbox—be sure to measure the available space near your battery compartment or under the dashboard before purchasing.

Non-isolated converters cost less but pose safety risks in EV applications—a small electrical fault could endanger the entire high-voltage system. Isolated converters cost a bit more, but for system safety and peace of mind, it's a worthwhile investment. Most reputable automotive-grade brands (like Victron, Mean Well's industrial series) primarily offer isolated designs.

Summary

Ultimately, choosing the right DC-DC converter ensures all the daily functions of your electric Cherokee—from lighting to entertainment to comfort features—work as reliably as the original, or even better.

You don't need to be an electronics expert—just focus on a few core principles: input voltage matches the main battery, output current has ample headroom (60A+ recommended), and it has off-road-grade ruggedness and isolation safety.

Get this right, and your electric Cherokee will retain all the rugged character you love, now with the quiet, efficient, and powerful benefits of electric drive. Whether traversing mud, climbing hills, or daily commuting, a reliable DC-DC converter will ensure stable power delivery, letting you focus entirely on driving pleasure and adventure.