Are we likely to see the first fully-electric Defender soon?

The fabulous Defender has long been a British icon, emerging at the forefront of motoring for many a decade. In an age where many car makers are racing to electrify their line-ups, we are now starting to wonder when we will see the first fully-electric Defender… 

Let’s have a look at what’s hopefully coming, and when!

Why haven’t we seen it yet?

There are a few reasons why Jaguar Land Rover may have been slower than some manufacturers to release an all-electric version of its famous 4x4. 

It’s possible there have been some weight and range challenges.The Defender is built to be tough, capable of towing, off-roading, and carrying heavy loads, and fitting a battery big enough to deliver the range people will expect, without making the vehicle excessively heavy, is surely a complex engineering challenge.

In terms of technology, JLR has invested heavily in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as stepping stones towards full electrification. This phased approach has delayed the Defender EV but ensures that when it does arrive, it’s hopefully fit for purpose.

Additionally, JLR itself has mentioned the limitations of the available charging infrastructure. Defenders are often bought by people who need them in remote areas and rural communities. The charging network in some places hasn’t always been developed enough to make a fully electric version practical for all users.

What’s the good news?

Well, despite the delays, there’s little doubt that a fully electric Defender is on the horizon. Thankfully, it’s looking likely that it’ll be sooner rather than later.

Additionally, the UK and EU have strict targets for phasing out new petrol and diesel cars, so JLR will need electric versions of its core models to meet these regulations. The company has publicly announced its Reimagine strategy, promising that all Jaguar models will be electric by this year and that Land Rover will follow with a series of EVs in the years after. 

And, in terms of its competitors and market demand, Land Rover won’t want to be left behind.

Ok, but when?

It was originally thought that we might see it available by 2026, but industry insiders now suggest that we could see a fully electric Defender by 2027. The delays seem to stem from several factors. Firstly, there are complex engineering challenges - adapting the Defender’s rugged D7x platform to house large battery packs has proven difficult, hence the move to a new architecture. Secondly, JLR is apparently taking extra time for extended testing, ensuring the electric Defender delivers the same off-road toughness as its combustion predecessors. Finally, there’s a strategic element - pacing the launch to align with increasing EV demand…

What we can likely expect when it does arrive…

When it does arrive, the first fully-electric Defender is expected to feature a battery of around 100 kWh, delivering at least 300 miles of range, with fast-charging capability to make longer journeys practical. Also, it will no doubt have a design that retains the Defender’s essential core but with a modern electric twist. The electric Defender is expected to ride on Land Rover’s new MLA Flex platform - a modular architecture designed for both EVs and combustion engines. This allows for minimal changes to the vehicle’s exterior and interior design, while enabling electrification.

In the meantime, demand for plug-in hybrid Defenders remains strong, with global sales up by 23% in recent months. For many buyers, these hybrids provide a convenient bridge to full electrification.

So, to conclude - it’s not here yet, but it’s most definitely coming…Hurrah!