Electric vehicle (EV) Land Rover Defender

electric vehicle

BEDEO’s Electric Land Rover Defender Conversion

Thanks to clever in-wheel motor technology, the British electric vehicle manufacturer BEDEO specializes in converting diesel vans into hybrids. Its most recent endeavor, an electric Land Rover Defender modification, may find its technology in your driveway.

 

The Allure of Restomod Defenders

An EV restomod of Land Rover’s now-retired “old” Defender would be quite desirable. Motors, batteries, and other miscellaneous items can fit inside; in some regions of the world, you’ll unintentionally trip over them. Some folks don’t mind spending money on their ideal Landie because, for whatever reason, they make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside. There are already many available; the UK military is considering turning some of its Defender fleet into electric vehicles; restomod businesses will sell you one covered in the skin of an exotic animal; and many more guarantee extremely silent travel over the world’s uneven terrain.

 

BEDEO’s Unique Approach

In contrast to most, BEDEO uses a different approach and keeps the diesel motor in place while adding a conventional EV powertrain. The company hub-mounts the motors, placing one in each wheel, preserving space elsewhere to prevent intruding on formerly occupied by oily parts, as opposed to installing the motor(s) on the chassis and connecting them to the wheels via driveshafts.

 

Partnerships and Future Plans

However, BEDEO does not intend to sell to customers directly. Rather, it will make its solution available to other companies who wish to provide electric conversions and allow them to provide any degree of resto-service they desire. As a proof of concept, the business has transformed one of its own Land Rovers before that occurs.

Partner Protean, which has spent years developing hub motor technology, is the source of the motors. The two collaborate on BEDEO’s main project, which is transforming diesel vans into hybrids. The front wheels are still powered by ICE components, while the back wheels are powered by an easily accessible battery. Fleets can continue to operate their current cars while adhering to the UK’s low emissions zones. (BEDEO provides a complete electric vehicle conversion as an option to the hybrid upfit.) These EV and hybrid conversions have provided BEDEO with an abundance of real-world data—more than 37 million miles, or 60 million km—and have demonstrated the robustness of Protean’s wheel motors. Few things put test wheels under stress like a harried van driver.

 

How the Technology Works

So, how does this mechanism function? Here, a 75 kWh battery powers four in-wheel motors instead of a few axle-mounted motors that are powered by a battery. According to BEDEO, this combination allows it to weigh roughly the same as the ICE system it is replacing and achieve a WLTP cycle range of 153 miles. A 22 kW AC charge will take five hours to fully charge; alternatively, a 50 kW DC rapid charge will finish the task in ninety minutes. Even with the engines’ incredible 1,916 lb ft (2,598 Nm) and 320 horsepower (239 kW), the car isn’t particularly fast—it takes 10 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h), and its highest speed is 80 mph (129 km/h).

 

Driving Experience and Performance

It feels heavy, not very speedy, and very much of its era when driving. It is similar to a Defender in this regard. Apart from a few upscale displays and a redesigned steering wheel, the controls are exactly what one would anticipate from Solihull’s best. The primary distinction is that the factory-installed squeaks and rattles are no longer masked by a clanking diesel engine. One of the available regenerative braking settings is ideal for one-pedal driving in town, but I personally prefer to leave it at its highest setting. The power delivery is seamless, and even if its 0–62 mph time appears a little slow by today’s EV standards, it feels suitable in this situation.

 

Off-Road Capabilities

BEDEO didn’t confine my test drive to the road; instead, it led me to some muddy tracks and gave me instructions to see what it could accomplish. The path wasn’t particularly difficult, but it was sufficient to demonstrate the advantages of having four separately operated wheels. When the road got a little slick, you could feel the wheels performing differently. Here, the benefit of having power go directly to each wheel is clear: motors communicating with an electronic brain replace large, bulky mechanical differentials.

 

Future of BEDEO’s Technology

It’s a good concept in theory. You can go for at least 100 miles (160 km) with no gadgets or battery drain in the cabin or trunk. For others, the unsprung weight issue will be relevant, but not in this case. No one attempting to clip apexes at peak speed will be operating the car because it is already a big lump. In a supercar, this might be a problem, but in a Land Rover? Nope. Protean technology may be used to bring more BEDEO kits, but we’re not sure what they’ll be. As of right now, the Defender concept is functional and should soon be available at a restomodder or maybe a daring OEM in your area.

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