Land Rover’s plans to electrify its iconic Defender SUV are hitting substantial roadblocks, raising questions about the vehicle’s timeline and feasibility.
While the British automaker remains committed to its EV ambitions, it has acknowledged that adapting the Defender to electric power presents unique engineering challenges.
Current design limits
The Defender’s existing platform, known as the L663, was designed with off-road capability and rugged durability in mind.
However, its chassis leaves insufficient space for the batteries required to support an electric drivetrain.
Speaking to Autocar, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Commercial Officer Lennard Hoornik highlighted the difficulty: "The L663 is brilliant at what it does, and we do have a plug-in hybrid version already, but it’s not easy to find the extra space you need within that chassis for batteries, given the axle packaging and capability that it needs."
Even the Defender’s hybrid powertrain, the P400e, relies on a compact 2.0-litre turbo-four system.
Larger hybrid systems, such as the 3.0-litre inline-six found in Range Rover models, cannot fit within the Defender’s dimensions.
A second Defender?
Land Rover’s solution may involve developing an entirely new Defender model based on a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform.
While Hoornik refrained from confirming specifics, he acknowledged that going electric would require a “significant step in the evolution of the Defender.” Recent speculation suggests this step could include adopting a Tata-developed platform for future EVs.
Despite delays for the electric Defender, Land Rover plans to launch its first fully electric Range Rover this year, with three additional electric Land Rover models expected by 2026.
These plans mark a significant shift for the company, though they have faced inconsistencies in execution compared to the early success of Jaguar’s I-Pace.
The electric Defender remains a priority for the brand, but its arrival will likely depend on the development of new technology and platforms tailored to the SUV's unique capabilities.