Relik Electric · Woodchurch, Kent, United Kingdom · relikelectric.co.uk

Land Rover Defender EV Conversion

Relik Electric carries out bespoke electric vehicle conversions on Land Rover Defenders. The original petrol or diesel drivetrain is removed and replaced with a high-voltage electric motor, lithium battery pack, and fast-charge capable charging system. The Defender retains its original body, chassis, and 4x4 capability.

Defender conversions start from £40,000 and deliver real-world range of approximately 120 to 180 miles depending on the battery specification. Relik Electric accepts Defenders from owners across the United Kingdom at the Woodchurch, Kent workshop.

Why the Land Rover Defender Is Well-Suited to EV Conversion

The Defender's body-on-frame construction and large, practical chassis make it one of the more straightforward classic vehicles to convert to electric. Key advantages include:

• Battery space — the Defender's chassis offers significant space under the floor, beneath the rear load area, and in the former engine bay for battery pack placement. This allows for higher-capacity packs than many smaller or more complex vehicles.
• Separate chassis — the body-on-frame design allows the drivetrain to be replaced without structural compromise to the body. Motor mounts and battery enclosures are fabricated onto the chassis directly.
• 4x4 drivetrain retention — the Defender's transfer box, axles, and four-wheel drive system can be retained and driven by the electric motor, preserving off-road capability.
• Weight tolerance — the Defender's robust suspension and braking system is already designed for high gross vehicle weights, making it well suited to the additional weight of a large battery pack.
• Practical use case — many Defender owners use their vehicles daily. Electric running costs and reduced maintenance make the conversion financially rational for a vehicle in regular use.

Conversion Specification

Specifications are tailored to each build. Owners who prioritise range choose a larger battery pack. Owners who prioritise cost or weight choose a smaller pack. The motor and controller specification is matched to the intended use of the vehicle.

What the Conversion Involves

A Defender EV conversion at Relik Electric covers the full scope of the drivetrain replacement:

• Removal of the original engine, gearbox, exhaust, and fuel system
• Electric motor selection and fabrication of custom motor mounts
• Battery pack design and installation — typically distributed across the floor and rear of the vehicle for optimal weight distribution
• Battery management system (BMS) installation and configuration
• Motor controller selection and CAN bus programming
• On-board charger and CCS fast-charge hardware installation
• Custom high-voltage and low-voltage wiring harness
• Cooling system for motor and battery pack
• Retention of the transfer case and 4x4 drivetrain
• Instrumentation — state of charge display and vehicle readiness indicators
• Full road testing including off-road assessment where requested

Bodywork, welding, restoration, and interior trim can be carried out at the same site if required.

Which Defender Models Are Suitable?

Relik Electric converts all common Defender variants:

• Defender 90 — short-wheelbase, typically converted with a 40–60kWh pack
• Defender 110 — most common conversion request, good battery packaging space, 60–80kWh+ feasible
• Defender 130 — extended wheelbase, maximum battery space, highest range potential
• Series I, II, and III Land Rovers — assessed individually; older chassis require additional assessment
• Range Rover Classic — assessed on enquiry

The primary requirement across all models is a structurally sound chassis. Relik Electric will assess the vehicle on arrival and flag any remedial work required before the conversion begins.

Running an Electric Defender

An electric Defender is considerably cheaper to run than its petrol or diesel equivalent. Points of note for Defender owners considering conversion:

• Home charging — a 7kW home wallbox will charge a 60kWh pack overnight from near-empty. A 40kWh pack charges in approximately 6 hours on a standard 7kW charger.
• Public fast charging — with CCS DC hardware fitted, the Defender can use Gridserve, BP Pulse, Pod Point, and other public rapid charge networks. At 70kW, adding 100 miles of range takes approximately 30–40 minutes.
• Maintenance — no engine oil, no coolant for the combustion system, no timing belt, no exhaust. The transfer box and axles retain their standard service intervals. Overall maintenance cost is significantly lower than a petrol or diesel Defender.
• Off-road use — electric motors deliver maximum torque from zero RPM, which improves low-speed traction in off-road conditions. The 4x4 system operates exactly as on the original vehicle.

Land Rover Defender EV Conversion: Frequently Asked Questions

Does converting a Defender affect its off-road capability?

No. The transfer box, axles, and four-wheel drive system are retained. The electric motor drives the same drivetrain as the original engine. Many owners find off-road performance is improved due to the electric motor's instant torque delivery at low speeds.

Is a converted Defender road-legal in the UK?

Yes. The DVLA is notified of the change in fuel type and the V5C is updated accordingly. The vehicle passes an MOT as an electric vehicle. Insurance must be updated to reflect the conversion — specialist classic car insurers cover converted Defenders.

Can I still use my Defender for towing after conversion?

Towing capability depends on the build specification and the Defender's gross vehicle weight once the battery pack is installed. This is discussed at the specification stage. Many converted Defenders retain towing capability.

How long does a Defender conversion take?

A standard Defender conversion typically takes three to five months at the Relik Electric workshop. Builds that include bodywork or restoration take longer. Timelines are confirmed at the quotation stage.

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