Land Rover specialist Twisted has created an all-electric version of the classic Defender.
With a bespoke design and build process, the Defender EV results from thousands of hours of work by the North Yorkshire company.
The Defender was designed in response to demand from Twisted’s customers. Some 20 percent of enquiries to the firm over the past two years have related to electric vehicles.
Charging into the wilderness
Twisted has designed its electric drivetrain as a modular setup. This allows it to be used with Defender 90, 110 and 130 chassis. The battery packs are mounted beneath the bonnet, and also where the fuel tank would be in a conventional Defender.
The short-wheelbase Defender 90 uses a 61kWh battery, allowing a range of 140 miles when fully charged.
Opting for the larger Defender 110 increases battery size to 81kWh. As a result, overall range improves to an estimated 180 miles.
All versions use a Type 2 charging plug, mounted where the fuel filler would usually be. Replenishing the battery packs is said to take less than three hours, depending on the charger type used.
Engage Sport (or Eco) mode
A Dana TM4 Sumo electric motor powers the EV Defender, generating 268hp with a mighty 885lb ft of torque. Drivers have the option of switching between Sport and Eco modes.
“There is something extremely special about the Twisted EV. It has incredible power, yet still the charm of the classic Defender,” says Twisted Automotive founder, Charles Fawcett. “The Eco mode effortlessly accelerates to 60mph and, with Sport mode engaged, it just pulls and pulls. It’s incredibly fun to drive.”
The electric components in the Twisted Defender have an IP67 waterproof rating. This allows for a 900mm wading depth, outperforming a conventional classic Defender.
Being fully electric, and therefore ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) compliant, will likely make the Defender EV appeal to London drivers. Last year, Twisted opened a new showroom in Kensington.
Defending a British icon
Prices for the Twisted EV Defender start at £270,000 (£225,000 plus VAT), with a personal commissioning service allowing each vehicle to be fully tailored.
The new model will be sold internationally, including via Twisted showrooms in Texas and Dubai.
Charles Fawcett adds: “Twisted has an established reputation as the market leading modifier of Defender and I am excited that we have the ability to future-proof a treasured British icon.
“The fully electric Twisted has been a labour of love for the whole team, with thousands of hours invested into its development. With an estimated 70 percent of all Defender and Series Land Rovers ever made still being on the road, it is one of the most recyclable vehicles on the market and Twisted has now future-proofed this British icon even further.”
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