Electric Defender on safari

Land Rover may already be working on a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, but the company’s South African subsidiary has gone one step further by producing an all-electric Defender in collaboration with lithium-ion battery pack specialists Axeon and Baker Performance Products.

Based on a 110 High Capacity Pick Up, the Electric Defender Game Viewer Concept Vehicle is designed for use in game parks where the ability to run quietly has obvious benefits.

Land Rover Electric Defender Game Viewer Concept Vehicle (2011) Front Side

The custom-made 300 volt 27 kW/hr battery pack fits entirely within the engine bay, so that ground clearance is unaffected and the electrical systems are kept dry when the Defender is wading. It powers an air-cooled AC induction motor that produces 79 bhp (59 kW / 80 PS), with a regenerative capacity of 13 bhp (10 kW / 14 PS), and 330 Nm (243 lb/ft) of torque.

It’s said that three typical game drives can be completed on a single charge, which equates to a range of around 50 miles (80 km) plus 12 miles (20 km) in reserve. Recharging is via the mains or a solar adapter.

For the moment the Electric Defender is just a one-off, although there could be other applications where the technology proves to be useful.

Related post:
Land Rover Range_e

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