Land Rover Defender Turned Electric by Axeon

The UK-based lithium-ion energy systems provider Axeon has partnered with Jaguar Land Rover South Africa to produce an all-electric version of the Defender model for use in game parks. Specifically, Axeon’s battery system has been fitted to a Land Rover Defender 110 high capacity Pick Up in place of the standard 2.4-litre diesel engine.

The decision to fit the battery pack in the vehicle’s engine bay was taken in order to maintain ground clearance and wading height for the vehicle.

The bespoke battery system also incorporates Axeon’s proprietary Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors the battery state, measuring and controlling key operational parameters, thus ensuring safety.

“The replacement of the engine means that the production vehicle’s tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions of 295g/km have been reduced to zero and the electric Defender is also able to operate very quietly.  In testing the range was shown to be capable of 3 times a typical game drive on a single charge,” Axeon explains in a statement for the press.

“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. In testing, the vehicle has also been able to get closer to animals within the game park due to its much quieter operation.”

Batterysystem specification:

• Total Pack Energy: 28.8 kWh
• Approximate dimensions (mm): 1080 (L) x 780 (W) x 590 (H)
• Approximate weight: 400kg (882 lbs)
• Nominal Voltage: 288V
• Maximum Voltage: 324V
• Minimum Voltage: 225V
• Maximum Pulse Power: 144 kW