Luxurious Magazine’s Online Editor, Simon Wittenberg, previews the E-Lander, the first all-electric Tesla-powered Land Rover Defender to be built in the USA by E.C.D. Automotive Design, America’s leading specialist for restored custom Defenders and classic Land Rovers.

In recent years, there’s been a rise in popularity of taking some of the world’s most loved vintage models and giving them a new lease of life by stripping out the engine and replacing it with electric motors and battery power.

E.C.D. Automotive Design, based in Kissimmee, Florida, on the East Coast of America, is one such business that is taking advantage of the growing demand for zero-emission models which still keep the look and feel of some the most iconic cars from yesteryear.

To bring the E-Lander Electric Defender to life, E.C.D. has teamed up with the Wales-based Electric Classic Cars (ECC) business, a firm specialising in converting classic vehicles with an internal combustion powerplant to ones that are fully electric, so as to create an exciting modern interpretation.

The latest model from E.C.D. Automotive Design combines the rugged Land Rover Defender with an all-electric Tesla Motors direct drivetrain, automatic transmission and a 100-kWh battery pack.

The result of using this proven world-class technology, is that the electric model offers the equivalent of 450 bhp and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds. For customers craving even more performance from their Defender, there’s the possibility to choose the 600 bhp option, which arrives at 60 mph in around three seconds.

To put this speed into some perspective, this a similar sprint time to the far lighter and smaller Lotus Elise Cup 250 sports car. Depending on usage and specification, the range on a single charge, which takes around five hours to replenish from empty using three-phase power, is estimated at around 220 miles.

Even in the absence of a mighty internal combustion engine, the core and renowned characteristics of the classic and nostalgic Defender remain, namely the excellent on and off-road capabilities, with superb power on hand when needed.

The battery-powered variants equally feature downhill assist and traction control, an anti-lock braking system, regenerative braking and a fully upgraded driveline to cope with the added dose of power. An electric parking brake system also adds more of a luxury feel, as an alternative to the traditional mechanical handbrake.

As with all of the other vehicles in E.C.D’s six-strong line-up, the E-Lander Electric Defender will be assembled by highly skilled and qualified technicians at the 45,000 square-metre “Rover Dome”. The first one will start to be built this October, ready for delivery by the end of the year, making it a perfect Christmas gift for the lucky owner.

Every single one will be unique because customers have the option to personalise every aspect of the interior and exterior in line with their very own tastes and desires. Instead of having an ignition, drivers will simply need to hit a button to start enjoying the car.

The E-Lander Defender has the added benefit of being 50-state compliant in the USA, meaning that, with no carbon emissions to speak of, and near-silence when on the move, it meets the regulations in all four corners of North America, thereby expanding the appeal to the potential client base for E.C.D. both at home and abroad.

We’ve only had a sneak preview of what’s to come from E.C.D, courtesy of a picture of yellow two-door E-Lander Defender, and a short video teaser. However, from what we’ve seen so far at Luxurious Magazine, the Tesla-powered Electric Defender from E.C.D. Automotive Design is certainly destined for success.

E.C.D. Automotive Design E-Lander Defender – Specification at a glance:

  • Power: 450 – 600 bhp
  • 0 – 60 mph: Less than five seconds (450 bhp) and around three seconds (600 bhp)
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Three-phase charging time: Five hours (10 hours on a domestic socket)
  • The estimated range on a single charge: 220 miles
  • First delivery: December 2020

E.C.D. Automotive Design – Where and How?

E.C.D. Automotive Design is committed to redefining the luxury build experience with five-star customer service. For more information on the Electric Defender, and the other models in the E.C.D. range, visit www.ECDautodesign.com or call today on 001 (407) 483 4825.