Land Rover announced they cannot put an electric motor in their L663 Defender because of its present platform design. JLR's Chief Operating Officer Lennard Hoornik confirmed the Defender EV will come with the model update at the decade's end.
Current Platform Challenges
The L663 Defender uses D7x platform technology to build an off-road vehicle with its tough design. Building a complete electric powertrain into this vehicle structure creates major placement difficulties.
According to Lennard Hoornik, "We won't pursue this electrification path on the existing D7x platform with the current L663 car." He clarified that without battery space and proper axle alignment for off-road performance, the existing chassis cannot handle EV technology.
The Defender EV will need a new product foundation
As a next step, JLR has chosen to power all of its main vehicle lines Jaguar Range Rover Defender Discovery and Range Rover with electric technology. Building a Defender EV on present architecture would compromise this model's unique attributes. Hoornik indicated that the EV Defender will either debut with a new platform or launch as a separate Defender model built on an EV-specific platform.
Defender Octa: A Glimpse into the Future
The Defender development at JLR incorporates motorsports activities into its strategy. JLR announced their Defender Octa will compete at both the World Rally-Raid Championship and Dakar Rally beginning in 2026. The project serves as both an educational opportunity and a competitive platform according to Hoornik.
The Defender Octa program gives us essential learning opportunities, he noted. Having the Defender Octa participate in motorsports lets it serve its reason and builds a technology network.
What Does JLR Plan for the Defender EV Series
As JLR prepares the electric Defender for release they maintain their focus on creative design and original Defender characteristics. The upcoming Defender generation will expand the vehicle's legendary off-roading excellence by introducing modern electric powertrains to its iconic design.
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