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2024 Land Rover Defender EV: What is the Upcoming Land Rover Defender EV? – It’s no surprise that all Land Rover models will adopt some or all zero-emission engines within the next decade. Land Rover is currently converting larger SUVs, such as Range Rover Sport, Discovery Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport to have electric models. The conversion of the Defender which is one of the models that is most focused on off-road in the range, to an electric model is the most difficult when you consider the ways that people use the vehicle.
Review
Land Rover could build the Defender electric version using the more modern and advanced MLA Flex platform, instead of the D7 that is used to build the basic Defender. The MLA Flex platform is employed in several of the top-end models from the brand including the brand new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
One of the best features of MLA’s MLA platform is its flexibility that it is able to support conventional internal combustion vehicles as well as accommodate electric cars without too much difficulty. As per an Auto Express report, company sources have stated that the MLA platform can be capable of handling a 100-kWh battery, and is aiming for an all-electric range of about 300 miles (presumed to be WLTP-based).
Thierry Bollore who was the chief executive officer for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) stated in 2021 that weight would be an issue for electric vehicles. “They are already heavier than traditional car(s),” Bollore claimed, noting that this is “especially because of batteries.” The CEO at the time believed that the current situation could change in the next times, and that’s when we’ll see final Land Rover models with a zero-emission powertrain on display in the showrooms. “There will be a step in the coming years where it’s going to come back in a virtuous circle as well,” Bollore said.
The 2024 Land Rover Defender EV is set to become fully electric in the next couple of decades, Auto Express can reveal. The most recent version of the 4×4’s most popular model has only been introduced in the year 2020. It’s more likely that fully electric models that include the 110, 90, and 130 as part of the refreshed Defender lineup in 2025, and the first cars will be available in 2026.
It is expected to result in a change to platform technology, from the present D7 premium lightweight architecture platform to Land Rover’s newest MLA Flex platform. MLA supports fully electric powertrains and internal combustion engines. It has already been used to support the company’s latest Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. All-electric models of these cars are expected in 2024.
Design
The Defender model from Land Rover (rendered) will have an enclosed grille, wheel design, bumpers, as well as body accents that make it stand out from other SUVs.
If you’re hoping to see major design overhauls on Defender Electric might be disappointed. It’s due to the fact that Land Rover isn’t expected to change the design in this area, likely focusing on minor cosmetic adjustments (if any) within what is expected to be a mid-cycle facelift for the Defender. However, the 2024 Land Rover Defender EV may be equipped with a blank front grille and bumper maybe with a variety of design options for the wheels, colors, and possibly a slightly updated rear bumper.
Like the exterior, no modifications are anticipated within the cabin that is Defender Electric. Defender Electric, though the base is different. Image: Land Rover
As we would expect to see on the outside It is likely that we will see exactly the same inside as well. Defender Electric. Inside, the previous model has received numerous compliments, so there’s not much need for Land Rover to make any changes there either. But, some brands like Volvo, as well as Rolls-Royce (among many other brands), have already made commitments to using green and sustainable materials and designs inside their cabins for their electric vehicles. Land Rover is most likely to be following suit.
The change in platform is expected to occur at a point when the Defender is in need of an update in mid-life, but do not expect major changes to the design of the vehicle even with the shift in its structure. Similar to earlier models like the Discovery Sport when it switched platforms to Land Rover’s Premium Transverse Architecture in the year 2019 (as part of a mid-life upgrade) to permit more electrification, the design and size of the Defender will likely remain unchanged.
The company may make some tweaks to the infotainment systems inside which will have a larger screen, however, the interior design has been very well-received by its customers and it’s anticipated to be changed significantly. The utilization of green products is possible, though it is in the event that Land Rover looks to boost its reputation in this field.
The company’s engineers are enthusiastic about the prospects of their famous 4×4 being electric as well as the added benefits it could provide to the off-road capability. Greater control of the electrical power supply by means of software management is possible and will be accompanied by the latest technology for torque vectoring. These two features will enhance the Defender’s off-road ability with a smooth underneath that will provide greater in-ground clearance.
Details of the technical specs regarding the Defender’s companion vehicle, which is the all-electric Range Rover to be launched in 2024, are yet to be released, but Land Rover insiders suggest a battery that’s around 100 kWh would work well inside the MLA platform. The target is a minimum of 300 miles of completely electric operating.
We’re not sure what Land Rover differentiates the look of its all-electric vehicles against internal combustion engines and, because they require less cooling it is likely that the intakes of those of the ICE version to be wiped over in the case of an electric model which is shown in our exclusive Defender electric photo. The rumors coming from JLR claim that this design may also apply to the company’s currently all-electric vehicle which is that of the Jaguar I-Pace, which is expected to get a new look in 2023.
Release Date
Based on a report published in December 2022, it appears that the powerful Land Rover Defender will become completely electric in 2025 as it gets to the mid-cycle upgrade. It’s even more intriguing given that the model, the L663, was introduced in the year 2020 and has an electric hybrid engine that plugs into the vehicle.