The American ECD Automotive has converted the Land Rover Defender Restomod into a zero-emission vehicle, installing the Tesla powertrain with over 600 horsepower under the hood.
While enthusiasts are waiting for the developments of the Hydrogen-powered Project Zeus , the legendary Land Rover Defender Restomod has already taken a first step towards the world of sustainable mobility: thanks to the work done by ECD Automotive , a company based in Florida that has developed a special electric conversion kit for models D90, D110 and D130 with a maximum of 25 years of “seniority” on the shoulders.
We are not referring, therefore, to the latest generation Defender, but rather to the “historic” version of this car which can be imported into the United States at very advantageous prices: the work of ECD Automotive plans to get to work on the chassis of this car. automobile, which will then be equipped with all the components needed to make it a real “icon” in the world of zero-emission vehicles.
One of the last ones that have been made is the one you can admire by scrolling through the images in the gallery: it is a Land Rover Defender 110 series IIA , updated with several modern “goodies” such as air suspension , 18 “wheels on BF Goodrich tires. All Season, reinforced front and rear axles, Brembo braking system and a passenger compartment much more devoted to multimedia thanks to the installation of the Alpine-derived infotainment system.
Powertrain of Land Rover Defender
It is under the hood, however, that the most interesting peculiarity of this Defender hides: the powertrain chosen for the conversion, in fact, comes from a Tesla Model S and is capable of delivering the beauty of 450 kW (612 horsepower) as well as to ensure a range of up to 220 miles (just over 350 km) thanks to the presence of two battery packs – the first, original Tesla, close to the other propulsion organs at the front, while the second at the rear to better balance the masses in movement.
The price of this very special Land Rover Defender Restomod? ECD Automotive has not confirmed any definitive figures, but a probable estimate is that of having to write a check very close to $ 200,000. Delivery times are also considerable: 14 months and 2,000 hours of work by the American technicians, including 1,500 km of tests to ensure that the work has been built properly.