The Land Rover Defender is a familiar sight around the Goodwood Motor Circuit and surrounding estate where its agricultural underpinnings aren’t too much of a drawback. But venture onto the roads and those shortcomings soon become apparent. Which is one reason we can’t wait to try out the new Defender in our corner of West Sussex for ourselves.
All‑electric Defender on sale ‑ FOS Future Lab
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There are those however who refuse to countenance the new car as a true Defender, despite its obvious advances and abilities. Perhaps the all-electric Defender on offer from ECD (formerly East Coast Defender) might offer a solution? Although the wild looking teaser image might not really put purists' minds at rest.
ECD has been retromodding Defenders for some time, throwing away the anaemic Rover V8 and replacing it with a variety of LS motors as well as comprehensive suspension and interior upgrades. Their latest offering may be the best yet however. ECD is now offering its Defender rebuilds with the option of a Tesla Motor Direct powerplant. The 100KWH Electric Defender has a 220-mile range and estimated five hour three-phase recharge time.
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The big number to cause current Defender owner to drop their Thermos flasks and OS maps will be the 0-60mph time of five seconds. Quicker even than the newly announced PHEV Evoque and Discovery Sport. Massive, instant torque is perfect for off-road use of course and the silence of an electric drivetrain an added bonus when immersed in nature.
As ECD readily admits, mating a cutting-edge electric drivetrain to existing Defender engineering is a lot trickier than dropping in the ubiquitous LS and so they have enlisted the help of Welsh-based experts Electric Classic Cars. The firm has extensive experience electron swapping everything from a Porsche 911 to an original Fiat 500, with a Range Rover Classic and Defender on the list as well. Hopefully their involvement might mean the Electric Defender gets offered on this side of the pond.
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