Driving an electric Land Rover is about embracing the finest combination of modern-day convenience and legendary adventure.
Converted Land Rovers have lower maintenance needs than their petrol-guzzling equivalents, but regular checks are still required to keep your car’s performance smooth and consistent.
This quick guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your converted electric Land Rover at its best, and was written by Barnaby Birkbeck, the Founder of Electric Car Converts and head honcho, making sure that all Land Rovers converted, and all kits shipped and in perfect condition.
Warranty
Every electric Land Rover or kit that we produce comes with a 2-year / 50,000-mile warranty and covers all of the EV components, from major components such as the battery box, motor, and charging system to smaller ancillary parts such as the electric handbrake and power steering. Full warranty information is available on our website.
MOT
In the UK, cars that are older than 40 years old are exempt from annual MOT tests. However, we always suggest an annual MOT test for your converted Land Rover. This will include essential checks on brakes, suspension, seatbelts, and rust.
As electric cars have less regular servicing, an MOT is a useful way to spot problems early on, such as fluid leaks or wear on parts that could otherwise go undetected.
Maintenance Basics
The electric Land Rover is made to be low-maintenance, but some things still need to be checked regularly. There are the key points of aftercare to remember:
Brakes
Since the Land Rover comes with regenerative braking, brake pads and callipers wear out less and require less frequent replacement. However, there should be an annual inspection to ensure that the braking system functions properly.
Suspension
The vehicle weight pre- and post-conversion doesn’t change much, so the suspension parts still carry the same load. Regular suspension checks on bushes and linkages will ensure everything is functioning as intended.
Cooling System
An EV Land Rover consists of two independent cooling circuits. One for the motor and one for the battery pack, and both need to be checked from time to time to ensure that coolant levels are correct and that all is flowing as it should. You will find that the motor pump is faster than the battery pump, but both need to be checked for a smooth and regular flow.
Motor Oil
The electric motor oil in our Tesla Model 3 motors needs to be changed every 100,000 miles, a significantly less frequent servicing interval than normal internal-combustion cars. This is one of the few instances when the car will have to come back to the workshop or be taken to a professional under our guidance – but that is many years down the line!
12V Battery
It may be small, but the 12V battery energises everything. If the car is going to sit for some time, disconnect it or install a trickle charger to avoid depleting the battery. A dead 12V battery is responsible for most minor problems. Slow wipers or weak headlights are usually the first indication of an issue with it.
Breakdown Cover
Although EV-related breakdowns are rare, it is always wise to have breakdown insurance, such as the RAC or AA. Even once converted, vintage Land Rovers may still develop unforeseen problems, such as a puncture, a mechanical breakdown, etc. Breakdown cover gives you extra peace of mind and ensures that you won’t be left stranded.
Bottom Line
Even though your electric Land Rover is designed to need less maintenance, providing the proper care gives you a more reliable ride. From brake checks to battery health, a little attention goes a long way!
So, if you have questions or need personalised guidance, whether you have converted your Land Rover with us or with someone else and want an expert overview, give us a ring, send an email (you can find details at the top right corner of the website, to speak directly with our team for support with your electric Land Rover.