Hello everyone, Barnaby here! If you’re new to the channel, welcome to Electric Car Converts. For those of you who’ve been following, you already know the drill.
Today, I’m excited to share an electrifying adventure in our latest Land Rover Defender EV conversion. This is a stunning vehicle – sleek black with a divine-smelling leather interior.
Let me introduce Kyle, our workshop manager, who’s behind the camera today. If you’ve been in touch with us, chances are you’ve met Kyle – he’s the man keeping everyone updated on their conversions and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
The Star of the Show: The Electric Defender
This Defender is a beauty. Built in 2015/2016, it’s headed back to its owner in sunny Portugal soon. It is powered by a massive 110 kWh battery pack. For context, it’s just shy of the battery size in the Mercedes G-Wagon EV, one of the biggest on the market.
While we haven’t done a full range test yet (who has the time to drive 300 miles in one go?), this Defender should comfortably achieve 250-300 miles per charge. That’s impressive for a vehicle of this size and shape!
Exploring Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
Today’s mission? Demonstrating V2L – Vehicle-to-Load technology. This feature lets you draw AC power directly from your vehicle’s battery pack, enabling you to run everyday appliances like kettles, toasters, and more.
Imagine camping and being able to power your coffee machine from your car. It’s next-level convenience!
We drove up the South Downs to test it out, and while the off-road stretch wasn’t particularly challenging (the EV setup makes it feel like driving a golf buggy), the ease and quietness of the journey were incredible.
At the top, with breathtaking views of the sea on one side and rolling hills on the other, I decided to make a cup of tea – straight from the Defender. Plugging the kettle into the V2L socket, I pressed the magic button, and voilà – boiling water in minutes. Watching the steam rise from a kettle powered by the Defender’s battery was surreal.
Practical and Playful
The Defender’s V2L isn’t just about tea and toast. I pulled out a Henry vacuum cleaner to show its potential for practical tasks. We gave the Defender a quick clean – right on the hilltop. No need for generators or extension cords.
This feature could be a game changer for campers, farmers, or anyone needing portable power. Imagine running power tools at a remote site or lighting up a campsite without the hum of a generator.
Testing the Limits of V2L
Back at the workshop, we decided to push the V2L to its limits. We plugged in another electric car to charge directly off the Defender. Watching the blue charging light flash on the second car was a testament to the system’s power and reliability.
This setup can handle continuous power draw for hours, showcasing the Defender’s capacity to function as a mobile power station.
Why Choose an Electric Defender?
This Defender isn’t just a showpiece; it’s a glimpse into the future. The combination of eco-friendliness, utility, and versatility makes it one of the coolest conversions we’ve ever done. Whether you’re brewing a cuppa in the middle of nowhere, powering tools on a farm, or charging another EV, this vehicle proves the endless possibilities of electric technology.
If you’re inspired by this and want your electric Defender with V2L capability, get in touch. Join the EV revolution and discover more Land Rover conversion examples on how electrifying life can be.
Cheers,
Barnaby