One other firm has surfaced with an electrical conversion for the unique Defender, however there is a distinction this time.
U.Ok.-based Bedeo’s electrical Defender makes use of in-wheel motors, which Bedeo has packaged as a retrofit equipment that would probably be used on any traditional automobile.
Bedeo makes a speciality of including electrical powertrains to mild business autos, however the firm plans to develop into traditional vehicles via a brand new Reborn Electrical: Icons program. The Defender is simply the primary conversion.
The in-wheel motors come from fellow British firm Protean, which was acquired in 2019 by Swedish EV startup NEVS and offered to Bedeo in 2021 after NEVS bumped into money troubles. Chinese language automaker Dongfeng has beforehand used Protean motors for its Fengshen E70 sedan. Former EV startup Lordstown additionally used in-wheel motors in its Endurance pickup truck, although these have been sourced from an organization known as Elaphe.
Protean in-wheel electrical motor
In Bedeo’s electrical Defender, 4 in-wheel motors are used for a mixed output of 483 hp, which is significantly increased than what most early Defenders might muster. Bedeo additionally installs its personal 75-kwh battery pack, leading to a variety estimate of 153 miles on the WLTP cycle used abroad. A decrease vary determine would outcome utilizing the stricter EPA cycle.
Bedeo claims it is dedicated to matching the unique curb weight and driving dynamics with every of those builds, achieved partly via weight financial savings led to by the use in-wheel motors. Along with ditching the internal-combustion engine and its related {hardware}, the usage of in-wheel motors additionally eliminates the necessity for issues like a transmission and driveshafts.
There are downsides to the know-how, although. In-wheel motors face direct publicity to street particles, saltwater, and varied fluids, together with vibrations and shocks, all of which might cut back their lifespan.
Bedeo hasn’t listed a worth for its electrical Defender.
