One other company has surfaced with an electrical conversion for the unique Defender, but there is a difference this time.
U.K.-based Bedeo’s electric Defender uses in-wheel motors, which Bedeo has packaged as a retrofit kit that might potentially be used on any classic automotive.
Bedeo focuses on adding electric powertrains to light business vehicles, but the corporate plans to expand into classic cars through a brand new Reborn Electric: Icons program. The Defender is just the primary conversion.
The in-wheel motors come from fellow British company Protean, which was acquired in 2019 by Swedish EV startup NEVS and sold to Bedeo in 2021 after NEVS bumped into money troubles. Chinese automaker Dongfeng has previously used Protean motors for its Fengshen E70 sedan. Former EV startup Lordstown also used in-wheel motors in its Endurance pickup truck, though these were sourced from an organization called Elaphe.
Protean in-wheel electric motor
In Bedeo’s electric Defender, 4 in-wheel motors are used for a combined output of 483 hp, which is considerably higher than what most early Defenders could muster. Bedeo also installs its own 75-kwh battery pack, leading to a spread estimate of 153 miles on the WLTP cycle used overseas. A lower range figure would result using the stricter EPA cycle.
Bedeo claims it’s committed to matching the unique curb weight and driving dynamics with each of those builds, achieved partly through weight savings caused by the use in-wheel motors. Along with ditching the internal-combustion engine and its associated hardware, the usage of in-wheel motors also eliminates the necessity for things like a transmission and driveshafts.
There are downsides to the technology, though. In-wheel motors face direct exposure to road debris, saltwater, and various fluids, together with vibrations and shocks, all of which may reduce their lifespan.
Bedeo hasn’t listed a price for its electric Defender.
This Article First Appeared At www.motorauthority.com
