Thanks to Everrati and Hobson Industries.
Think of Land Rover and you think of gas-guzzling hardcore offroaders or ultra-luxury SUVs, but the term ‘environmentally-friendly’ rarely comes to mind. That’s fair when you consider that Land Rovers continue to make use of ICE engines and, in some cases, seriously powerful V8s, but there have been a few cases where Land Rovers have gone green, and Everrati Advanced Technologies (EAT) plans to change perceptions with its range of classic Land Rover Defenders that feature eco-friendly EV conversions. Companies such as ECD have plugged Tesla Model S poweplants into older Defenders, and EAT, in partnership with Hobson Industries Limited, will offer similar conversions for these legendary brutes.
EAT and Hobson Industries plan to provide a range of electrified Land Rovers for security and defense projects in the UK. These vehicles will benefit from EAT’s state-of-the-art electric powerplants and Hobson Industries’ through-life support for heritage Land Rover models.
The product lineup includes the electrified Land Rover Series IIA, which incorporates a high-tech EV powertrain in a modernized chassis with the latest in amenities and impressive performance.
“Everrati Advanced Technologies is expertly placed to support the transition of these older vehicles to a clean and sustainable future. The combination of Hobson Industries’ unparalleled reputation – and its connections to the security and defense sectors – with EAT’s state-of-the-art EV propulsion systems is unique,” says Founder and CEO of Everrati, Justin Lunny.
The Land Rover ‘Series’ has been around since 1948, with the IIA series launched in 1961. These electrified versions pay tribute to the original but now feature a 148 horsepower and 221 lb-ft electric motor. With a 60-kWh battery pack on board and regenerative braking, these Land Rovers have an impressive range of up to 150 miles. We’re sure when Land Rover decides to electrify its premium offering, the grandiose Range Rover, that car will offer more range, but as a utilitarian vehicle that won’t be used over long distances, 150 miles is plenty. The EAT Land Rovers are AC and DC fast-charging capable and send power to the rear or all four wheels.
Interestingly, EAT compares the new EV vehicles to the original, and the numbers are impressive: the original Land Rover takes 23 seconds to 60 mph, whereas the EV version gets there in under 13 seconds. The original IIA Series managed under 70 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque and had a range of 151 miles.
These restomodded EVs benefit from a fully reversible conversion, which retains the car’s value, and includes a fully galvanized chassis and bulkhead. Inside the cabin, each model gets Bridge of Weir leather front seats and rear bench seats, optional front-facing rear seats, an optional Safari hard top configuration, power steering and braking, and a center globe box with a basic audio system. These hard-working EV machines aren’t cheap; you’ll have to cough up at least £159,950 ($181,365) for the privilege of owning one.
Source : Car Buzz
