Regardless of what you think of electric cars, there tends to be an oversimplification of the technology. While an electric powertrain creates an effortlessly easy stop-go driving experience, the technology behind it offers a surprising amount of character. Petrolheads will argue it’s impossible to capture the original essence of a car without a burbling engine, but Everrati has managed to maintain the Land Rover Series IIA’s personality without a cloud of black diesel smoke trailing behind.
Everrati specialises in reengineering classic cars to offer owners an electrified driving experience in an iconic model. Its range currently includes classic Land Rover models, the Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda and the Ford GT40. Unlike other restomods, Everrati has developed specific electric architecture for each of the models it offers electrification for.
While some companies like MOKE are offering retro-styled new electric models, Everrati takes an original vehicle and replaces its powertrain. For most customers, this process typically coincides with a restoration, be it an interior makeover or complete respray. Inside, dials linking to vehicle information are cleverly integrated in the dash with subtle Everrati branding hinting at the electric nature of the vehicle.
Starting up the vehicle is much the same as if it still had an engine: turn the key and it fires up. Since the diesel engine isn’t rattling the cabin apart, you can hear yourself think and get acquainted with a new range of noises associated with the electric system that are far less intrusive and infrequent.
Everatti’s electric Land Rover is fitted with a 55kWh battery and an electric motor generating peak power of 215 bhp and torque up to 258 lb-ft. Top speed is upped by 10mph from its original specification to 65mph. Electric powertrain or not, the Land Rover Series IIA is not exactly aerodynamic, so travelling at speeds above 50mph becomes pretty blustery either way. On a single charge, Everrati estimates ranges of up to 150 miles. At home, the vehicle can be recharged at AC speeds up to 6.6kW or fast charge at rates up to 70kW.
Depending on how the vehicle is going to be used, Everrati offers a number of tasteful modern upgrades that make it easier to use the Land Rover as a daily driver. This includes air conditioning and heating, heated driver’s seat and a heated windscreen. Crucially, the electrification comes with uprated disc brakes to improve stopping distance and safety compared to the original.
Behind the wheel, Everrati’s Land Rover is a sympathetic reimagining of the classic, diesel-fueled iteration. Power delivery is progressive so the car’s acceleration curve is predictable and easy to gauge. Had Everrati made the Land Rover ridiculously powerful, firstly it would’ve been an engineering nightmare to upgrade the rest of the powertrain to cope with this and secondly, it would’ve taken the vehicle too far away from its original invention.
This electric Land Rover celebrates the imperfections of the ‘60s icon, brings it up to date as a daily driver and offers an innovative way to preserve the history of the vehicle. All of Everrati’s powertrain installations are reversible so if the next owner wants to revert it back to a diesel they can. Each project is unique, so Everrati works with its customers to build the vehicle to your specifications and relevant regulations for the country where the car will live.
Source: Forbes
By Trinity Francis
