An all-electric version of the Land Rover Defender for use in game parks has been unveiled at a tourism show in Durban, South Africa.
A lithium-ion battery from electric powertrain specialist Axeon has fitted to a Land Rover Defender 110 High Capacity Pick Up in place of the standard 2.4-litre diesel engine. Mounting the battery under the bonnet rather than under the vehicle maintains the Defender's ground clearance and wading height.
The bespoke battery system incorporates Axeon’s Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors the battery state, measuring and controlling key operational parameters, thus ensuring safety – particularly important for an electric vehicle that may encounter harsh conditions.
The electric Land Rover has zero tailpipe emissions and operates very quietly, an advantage for game park use because it can get closer to animals. Though the range of up to 100km (62 miles) may not sound great, it is more than adequate for the job the vehicle would do - offering three times the typical game drive distance. The battery can be charged using a standard single-phase electricity supply, or using a specially-developed solar charger.
The electric Defender has been received well by experienced Land Rover drivers, including those from the official Land Rover Experience, and it has performed exceptionally well on the rigorous and gruelling Gerotek test facility.
Axeon worked with engineers from Land Rover and their South African partner Barker Performance Products to develop the vehicle, which was commissioned by the Londolozi Game Reserve in north east South Africa.
Battery system specification
Total Pack Energy: 28.8 kWh
Approximate dimensions (mm): 1080 (L) x 780 (W) x 590 (H)
Approximate weight: 400kg
Nominal Voltage: 288V
Maximum Voltage: 324V
Minimum Voltage: 225V
Maximum Pulse Power: 144 kW
