- Land Rover continues to champion innovation in engineering and
develop sustainable automotive solutions
- Engineered to deliver zero emissions while retaining legendary
all-terrain capability
- Innovative powertrain combines a 70kw electric motor with
lithium-ion battery pack
Whitley, UK, February 28, 2013 - Land Rover is
continuing to champion British innovation and cutting-edge
automotive engineering by unveiling seven new Electric Defender
models at the Geneva Motor Show. The research vehicle delivers zero
emissions while retaining its tough, go-anywhere capability.
"Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of our
business and our engineering teams are working hard to develop
innovative new technology to provide sustainable motoring
solutions," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand
Director.
The standard diesel engine and gearbox have been replaced by a
70kW, 330Nm electric motor twinned with a 300-volt, lithium-ion
battery with a capacity of 27kWh, giving a range of more than 80
kilometers. In typical, low speed off-road use it can last for up
to eight hours before recharging. The battery can be fully charged
by a 7kW fast charger in four hours, or a portable 3kW charger in
10 hours.
The electric vehicles (EVs) retain the Defender's legendary
four-wheel drive system and differential lock. Because the electric
motor delivers maximum torque from the moment it starts, there's no
need for gear shifting and the transmission comprises a single
speed, 2.7:1 reduction gearbox combined with the existing Defender
four-wheel drive system. A modified version of Land Rover's Terrain
Response® System has also been incorporated.
The vehicles were developed by Land Rover's Advanced Engineering
Team following successful trials of the Defender-based electric
vehicle, Leopard 1. The vehicles' capability has been tested in
extreme and environmentally sensitive conditions, demonstrating
capabilities not shared by conventional road-going EVs. Trials
included pulling a 12-tonne 'road train' up a 13 percent gradient
and wading to a depth of 800mm.
In keeping with Land Rover's 'Tread Lightly' philosophy the
smooth, low-speed capability of the electric drivetrain makes the
Electric Defenders especially well suited to climbing obstacles
without damaging the ground unnecessarily.
The battery weighs 410kg and is mounted in the front of the
Defender in place of the diesel engine. Kerb weight is 100kg more
than a basic Defender 110 and ranges from 2055kg to 2162kg
depending whether the body style is a pick-up, hard top or station
wagon.
All the major components in the electric powertrain - including
the battery, inverter and motor - are air-cooled rather than liquid
cooled, saving a considerable amount of weight and complexity and
adding robustness. Regenerative braking has been optimised to such
an extent that using Hill Descent Control, the motor can generate
30kW of electricity. Because the battery technology can be charged
very quickly at a rate of up to twice its capacity of 54kW without
reducing battery life, almost all of the regenerated energy can be
recovered and stored. Up to 80 percent of the kinetic energy in the
vehicle can be recovered in this way, depending on conditions.
"This project is acting as a rolling laboratory for Land Rover
to assess electric vehicles, even in the most arduous all-terrain
conditions. It gives us a chance to evolve and test some of the
technologies that may one day be introduced into future Land Rover
models," said Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover Head of
Research.
Although there are no plans for the all-terrain Electric
Defender to enter series production, the seven EVs will go into
service in specialist applications later this year.
For further information contact:
Editors Note:
- Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s
that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range.
Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and
Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 80% of
this model range exported to over 170 countries.
- Land Rover is committed to addressing the challenges of climate
change and since September 2006 carbon dioxide generated by Land
Rover manufacturing activities and UK customer vehicle use has been
balanced through an industry leading offset programme run by
Climate Care.