Molly Ayala
With sustainability and high fuel prices being prevalent issues, converting classic cars to electric power is an increasingly popular option. Land Rover Defenders are one of the best cars to convert to electric, due to their simplicity, robustness, value, and space for batteries. There are several ways to convert a Land Rover Defender to electric, including using a Tesla Model 3 motor, a Hyper9 electric motor, or an Electrogenic conversion kit. The Tesla Model 3 motor involves replacing the engine and gearbox, while the Hyper9 motor substitutes the diesel engine with a low-voltage electric motor. The Electrogenic kit, meanwhile, is designed to be installed by a qualified mechanic and includes a battery and electric motor that bolts to the existing clutch bell housing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Conversion Kit Price | £24,000 or $29,500 |
| Conversion Time | 2 weeks for the swap, 2 weeks for testing, 4 weeks total |
| Electric Motors | Hyper9, Tesla Model 3 |
| Power | 120 horsepower, 260Nm of torque |
| Range | 100 miles |
| Speed | 0-60 mph in 12 seconds |
| Battery | 52-kWh |
| Installation | Requires a qualified mechanic |
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What You'll Learn
Electric conversion kits for Land Rover Defenders
Electric conversion kits are available for Land Rover Defenders, allowing owners to transform their classic vehicles into eco-friendly, electric-powered cars. These kits are designed to be easy to install, with some providers offering additional installation services.
One company, Electric Car Converts, offers conversion kits for Land Rover Defenders, Range Rover Classics, and Series 1, 2 & 3. Their kits are built in the UK and shipped worldwide, providing a simple solution for those looking to electrify their Land Rovers. The kits include all the necessary components, down to every last bolt, and the company even offers installation services, with engineers available to fly to the customer's location for a quick and easy setup.
Electrogenic, another specialist, has designed an agricultural drop-in kit specifically for the Land Rover Defender. Their conversion kit is designed to be fitted by a trained specialist with ease and is supplied to partner businesses worldwide. Electrogenic's kit includes a low-voltage Hyper9 electric motor, replacing the diesel engine and providing power to the 4WD system through the original gearbox. The kit also includes an electric vacuum pump, power steering, heating, and LED lighting.
Erevon also offers a conversion kit tailored for Land Rover Defenders, Jeeps, Toyota Land Cruisers, and Mercedes G-Class. Their kit includes hardware, software, and installation services, allowing owners to swap out their ICE engine for the Erevon Electric Drivetrain and Batteries. The Erevon kit provides a unique interface that allows users to manage all functions of their EV, including integrated navigation, Bluetooth calling, and Apple Carplay or Android Auto.
With these conversion kits, Land Rover Defender owners can enjoy the benefits of electric power while preserving the classic style and off-road capabilities of their beloved vehicles.
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Electric motor options
There are several electric motor options available for Land Rover EV conversions. The choice of motor depends on the power required and the type of Land Rover being converted.
One option is to substitute the diesel engine with a low-voltage (144V) Hyper9 electric motor. This is a low-cost, low-power, and low-range option that can give up to 100 miles of range and 0-60mph in 12 seconds. The Hyper9 motor is designed specifically for electric conversions and can generate 120 horsepower and 260Nm of torque. This option is ideal for Land Rover Series models and the Defender 90 and 110.
Another option is to replace the engine and gearbox with a Tesla Model 3 motor, which drives both axles directly. This option is for those who want their electric Land Rover to be faster than most cars on the road. The Tesla 3 Motor has a higher voltage demand, so the entire engine bay is available for a bigger battery pack.
Electrogenic offers a conversion kit for the Land Rover Defender that includes a 52-kWh battery and an electric motor that bolts to the existing clutch bell housing. This kit is designed to be easily installed by a qualified mechanic and provides 120 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 100 miles.
For those seeking a high-specification conversion, Twisted Automotive offers an exclusive direct-drive power system and a US-made electric motor for the Defender model.
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Conversion cost
The cost of converting a Land Rover to electric power varies depending on the specification, with the biggest cost variants being power and range. The cost of parts, such as the motor, inverter, charger, battery management system, and battery pack, also contribute significantly to the overall expense.
One company, Electric Car Converts, offers Land Rover EV conversions for £60,000 with 300 horsepower and 150 miles of range, or £85,000 for 300 horsepower and 300 miles of range. They claim to offer the cheapest Land Rover EV conversion options globally due to their refined, repeatable EV conversion kit.
Another company, Electrogenic, offers a more affordable option with their electric conversion kit for classic Land Rover Defender vehicles priced at £24,000, or about $29,500. This kit is designed for bolt-in installation, and includes a 52-kWh battery that fits under the hood, providing a range of approximately 100 miles. Electrogenic's co-founder, Steve Drummond, emphasizes that this kit is designed to give landowners an economic and sustainable choice, reducing running costs while enhancing performance.
It's worth noting that converting a Land Rover to electric can provide significant savings in the long run. For example, Electrogenic estimates that owners can save at least £6,000 ($7,300) in fuel costs over a year of farm work, allowing the conversion to pay for itself in four years. Additionally, electric conversions require less maintenance due to fewer component wear issues and the absence of oil changes.
The cost of converting a Land Rover to electric power can vary depending on the chosen company, the vehicle's specifications, and the range and power desired. However, with the potential for cost savings and reduced environmental impact, converting a classic Land Rover to electric can be a worthwhile investment.
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Conversion process
The conversion process for a Land Rover Defender to electric involves either replacing the engine with an electric motor or swapping the engine and gearbox with a Tesla Model 3 motor. The first option keeps the original drivetrain, while the second option drives both axles directly.
There are several electric motors available for EV conversions, depending on the power required and the type of Land Rover being converted. One option is to use a low-cost, low-power, low-range electric motor, such as the Hyper9, which substitutes the diesel engine and propels the 4WD system through the original gearbox. This option can provide up to 100 miles of range and a 0-60mph speed of 12 seconds, making it suitable for Series vehicles and Defender 90 and 110 models.
Another option is to use a higher-power electric motor, such as the one offered by Electrogenic, which provides 120 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. This motor is bolted to the existing clutch bell housing, and the engine bay receives a 52-kWh battery in place of the engine. This setup is designed to deliver 100 miles of range and is suitable for Land Rover Defenders.
The conversion process typically takes around two weeks to complete, with an additional two weeks for testing. The total workshop time for an electric conversion is approximately four weeks. Some companies, such as Twisted Automotive, offer the conversion service at their facilities in Bristol, UK, and Virginia, North America.
With the increasing popularity of EV conversions, prices are becoming more affordable, and it is no longer just the rich or famous who can afford them. Companies such as Electric Car Converts and Electrogenic offer conversion kits that can be installed by qualified mechanics, providing a more economical option for landowners.
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Conversion companies
There are several companies that offer Land Rover electric conversion services. Here are some of the notable ones:
Electric Car Converts
Electric Car Converts is a specialist company catering to all Land Rover EV conversions. They have spent thousands of hours converting Land Rovers and offer the cheapest Land Rover EV conversion options worldwide. Their Land Rover EV conversions start at £60,000 for 300 horsepower and 150 miles of range, or £85,000 for 300 horsepower and 300 miles of range. They utilise Tesla motor systems, which offer a single-speed reduction gearbox built into the motor. This provides incredible acceleration and speeds, but at a higher cost. They also offer 7kW charging as standard, allowing charging at public stations and home chargers.
Electrogenic
Electrogenic offers Land Rover Defender electric conversions with their agricultural drop-in kit. This kit features a low-voltage Hyper9 electric motor, providing about 120 horsepower and 260Nm of torque. The conversion includes an electric vacuum pump, power steering, heating, and LED lighting. The 53kWh battery pack is easy to install, and the charging system is air-cooled. Electrogenic has partnered with Worthy Farm and Cardiff University to create a low-cost conversion kit for working Land Rover Defenders.
Jaunt Motors
Jaunt Motors offers Land Rover electric conversions, aiming to improve every aspect of the vehicle. They upgrade braking, steering, suspension, and handling while reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. Jaunt Motors' conversion process includes a thorough inspection of the vehicle to assess any necessary repairs or services. Their Land Rover system is built around the Fellten’s UBP55E battery pack and is designed collaboratively across the UK and Australia.
John Brown 4x4
John Brown 4x4 produces Electric Classic Land Rovers, known as their "E-Series". They have developed a method to utilise the original heater to provide warmth and demist the screen during cold weather without diminishing the vehicle's range. Their Electric Series Land Rovers come in two ranges: Series 2 and 3, with 88" and 109" wheelbases, offering twice the horsepower of standard Series Models. The vehicles can be charged using a rapid charger, home charger, or a standard 13amp home wall plug.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main options for converting a Land Rover to electric. The first is to put an electric motor where the engine used to be, which then runs the original drivetrain. The second is to replace the engine and gearbox with a Tesla Model 3 motor, which drives both axles directly.
The cost of an electric conversion kit for a Land Rover Defender is around $30,000. This does not include labor, which will be an additional expense.
The only visible change to the exterior of the car will be the addition of a charge socket, which replaces the original fuel filler. The interior dials will also be upgraded to EV dials, which show information such as battery percentage, temperature, power draw, and speed.
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