Troubles Initiating Electric Defender's Installation Proving Challenging
Land Rover, the British luxury automaker known for its rugged and capable SUVs, has announced plans to introduce an electric version of its iconic Defender model. The details of this upcoming EV have been hinted at for years, and now, JLR's chief commercial officer, Lennard Hoornik, has revealed more about the project in an interview with Autocar.
While the official name for the new, electric Defender model on a dedicated electric platform has not yet been revealed, it is clear that the vehicle will not be based on the current Defender platform. Instead, it will be built on the MLA (Modular Longitudinal Architecture) platform, which debuted in the latest Range Rover and is designed from the onset to support electric powertrains.
The battery packaging challenge for the Defender has been a significant obstacle in the development of an electric version of the vehicle. This is due to the Defender's axle design and off-road capability requirements, which necessitate a more complex layout than the sleeker Range Rover. Nevertheless, JLR has been exploring various solutions to overcome this challenge.
In the meantime, an electric version of the current Defender has been ruled out by JLR due to difficulties in packaging the battery. Instead, the Defender Sedona Edition, set to launch in 2025, will be based on the older D7 platform, which is the predecessor of the MLA platform.
The plug-in hybrid option on the Defender currently offers a battery capacity of 19.2 kWh, delivering less than 30 miles of EV range. However, the electric Defender, when it does launch, is expected to offer a more significant EV range to meet the demands of modern consumers.
JLR has also explored the possibility of using a hydrogen fuel cell instead of a large battery for the Defender. While no official decision has been made, this option could provide an interesting alternative for those who prioritise range and refuelling convenience over charging infrastructure.
In addition to the electric Defender, JLR is about to launch an electric Range Rover, followed by an electric Range Rover Sport. These electric models will not be built using the current Defender platform but will instead be based on the MLA platform.
The possibility of a future Defender on a new platform or a separate model like the "baby Defender" has also been hinted. However, no clarification has been given by Lennard Hoornik on whether the Defender-branded EV will be a future Defender on a new platform or a separate model.
Land Rover has been hinting at launching a Defender powered purely by batteries for years, and it seems that the time is finally coming for this iconic vehicle to join the electric revolution. While the details are still scarce, it is clear that the electric Defender will be an exciting addition to Land Rover's lineup, offering the same rugged capabilities and off-road prowess that the Defender is known for, but with a more sustainable and eco-friendly twist.
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