Hi everyone, Barnaby here, electric car convert in dreary Sussex. It’s September the 5th, which, funny enough, is my birthday weekend. Last year, we were at Goodwood Revival at this time, and it was the hottest day of the year, while this year, the weather is absolutely awful.
Exciting News! Our Miami Workshop Launch
I have a mini announcement! We are currently setting up a workshop in Miami, Florida, USA. My team is making Land Rover conversion kits designed to fit onto a rolling chassis like this one. We plan to ship them to our Miami workshop and fit them into your cars.
If you have a classic car and are interested, feel free to reach out via DMs, comments, or email. Starting in 2025, we’ll be shipping a lot of kits to the US, with more details to come soon.
The Off-Grid Defender: A New Adventure
Now, let’s focus on our latest project: a converted Defender equipped with a roof tent, a large awning, and a full slide-out kitchen for off-grid camping—perfect for adventures in the Lake District.
Under the hood, we have a standard 55 kWh battery pack in the front, but the pièce de résistance is a second 55 kWh power pack, bringing the total to 110 kWh. This setup maintains 400 volts without upgrading to 800 volts, allowing for a full boot space while packing an incredible amount of energy.
We aim for this car to achieve around 300 miles of range. However, considering a previous range test on a 55 kWh vehicle showed only 142 miles, we’re realistically looking at around 260 miles of range.
Impressive Battery Capacity
Did you know that our converted Defender boasts one of the largest kilowatt-hour EV batteries in the UK? The average battery capacity of electric vehicles is about 71 kWh, with the largest being the Mercedes EQS Maybach at 118 kWh. Our Defender stands at 110 kWh, making it officially the second-largest battery pack on UK roads!
While this won’t provide the most extended range due to the vehicle’s design, it’s still an impressive fact to share at the pub. It’s a serious amount of battery capacity, bigger than any Tesla in the UK!
Charging the Beast
With a massive 110 kWh battery, charging becomes an essential topic. Despite having a long-range, consider the time it takes to recharge such a large battery.
Granny Charging
First up is “granny charging”—a three-pin plug that connects to your standard socket. While this method is ideal for overnight charging, it takes a significant amount of time. For instance, charging from 0% to 100% could take around 44 hours at a low 2.5 kW charge rate. This isn’t practical for long trips but is suitable for smaller battery packs and occasional charging.
A Peek Under the Hood
Now, let’s take a look under the Defender. The setup is heavy but manageable. Our team has designed a robust framework that holds the batteries securely, with the motor placed for optimal weight distribution.
This Land Rover conversion features a Tesla Model 3 motor and two battery packs, making the vehicle not just powerful but also well-balanced. The batteries are neatly tucked away, and you’d hardly know they’re there while driving.
The Super-Fast Charging Experience
Finally, let’s discuss fast-charging options! We recently visited a BP Pulse charging station capable of charging at 150 kW. This DC charger is significantly faster than the 2.5 kW granny charger, providing a direct link between the battery and charger.
While these chargers are efficient, they can sometimes be unreliable, so always check before you head out. With the right precautions, you can ensure a smooth charging experience for your EV.