Land Rover has created an electric Defender which it will exhibit at the Geneva auto show and set to "go into service in special real world trials".
Developed by the company's Advanced Engineering division, Land Rover wants to use the current model as an experimental vehicle to test a new electric powertrain.
Seven electrified Defenders have been equipped with a 70 kw (94bhp) electric motor with 243 lb ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a single-speed reduction gearbox and the Defender's existing four-wheel drive system.
The cars also have a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery is good for around 50 miles on a single charge and about eight hours of low-speed off-road running. A portable charger can replenish the battery in ten hours, whilst a fast charger unit cuts this time to four hours.
The battery itself weighs 410kg (903 pounds) and is mounted under the hood. Kerb weight is 100kg more than a basic Defender 110 and ranges from 2055kg to 2162kg depending whether the body style is a pick-up, hard top or station wagon.
Although there are no plans for the all-terrain electric Defender to enter series production, the seven EVs will go into service in specialist real world trials later this year.
Source: Land Rover
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