Jay Leno recently featured a remarkable project on his show, “Jay Leno’s Garage,” where he examined a Tesla-powered Land Rover Defender meticulously crafted by Raglan, a company established by seasoned experts dedicated to electrifying vintage Land Rovers.
In this captivating transformation, Raglan seamlessly integrates a blend of their proprietary technology with components from Tesla into the Defender’s powertrain. This conversion incorporates an electric motor repurposed from older Tesla models, complemented by Raglan’s custom gearset and inverter, meticulously tailored to harmonize with the Defender’s existing mechanical four-wheel-drive system. The outcome is nothing short of impressive, boasting a formidable 600 horsepower output and a remarkable 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately five seconds, as affirmed by Raglan.
One of the distinctive characteristics of Raglan’s work lies in their deliberate calibration of throttle response to preserve the authentic driving sensation reminiscent of the original Land Rover Defender. Joe Comiskey, the founder of Raglan, attests to the considerable effort his team invested in perfecting this aspect. Additionally, the vehicle offers a versatile driving experience with multiple driving modes, including the option to enable or disable regenerative braking.
The heart of this electrified Defender is an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack, proffering an estimated range of 150 to 200 miles on a single charge. To uphold the vehicle’s original weight distribution, Raglan ingeniously situates 75% of the battery beneath the hood, with the remaining portion thoughtfully placed in the mid-section. Furthermore, the vehicle supports DC fast charging, rendering a full recharge in approximately 90 minutes, ensuring convenience for the discerning owner.
Headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, Raglan invests an extensive 2,000 hours into crafting each of their bespoke vehicles. Their commitment transcends the powertrain, encompassing a comprehensive restoration of the entire vehicle. Remarkably, only around 60% of the original components are typically retained, attesting to the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that defines Raglan’s work.
Prospective buyers are presented with a wealth of personalization options, enhancing the appeal of these electrified Defenders. The example showcased by Jay Leno featured a convertible top and opulent Connolly leather trim, reminiscent of the leather utilized in early Land Rovers. Modern amenities, including state-of-the-art audio, climate control, and infotainment systems, can also be seamlessly integrated, ensuring that each Raglan creation embodies a harmonious fusion of vintage charm and contemporary comfort.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Electric Land Rover Defender Conversion
What is Raglan and what is their mission?
Raglan is a company formed by veterans, and their mission is to convert classic Land Rovers into electric vehicles that run on batteries.
What technology is used in Raglan’s Land Rover Defender conversions?
Raglan’s Land Rover Defender conversions incorporate a combination of proprietary technology and components sourced from Tesla. They utilize an electric motor from older Tesla models, paired with Raglan’s custom gearset and inverter, all seamlessly integrated into the Defender’s mechanical four-wheel-drive system.
What is the power output and acceleration performance of Raglan’s electrified Land Rover Defender?
The electrified Land Rover Defender by Raglan boasts a peak power output of 600 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately five seconds, as stated by Raglan.
What sets Raglan’s conversions apart in terms of driving experience?
Raglan places a strong emphasis on preserving the original driving experience of the Land Rover Defender. They have purposely adjusted throttle response to deliver a more linear feel that closely matches the feel of the original vehicle. Additionally, the converted vehicle offers various driving modes, including the ability to control regenerative braking.
What kind of battery does Raglan use, and what is the estimated range?
Raglan’s Land Rover Defender conversions are equipped with an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Raglan estimates that this battery pack can provide a range of between 150 and 200 miles on a single charge.
How is the battery placement optimized in Raglan’s conversions?
To maintain the weight balance of the original Land Rover Defender, Raglan strategically positions 75% of the battery under the hood, with the remaining portion placed in the mid-section of the vehicle. This placement ensures that the vehicle retains its characteristic weight distribution.
How long does it take to build one of Raglan’s electric Land Rover Defenders?
Each of Raglan’s electric Land Rover Defender conversions takes approximately 2,000 hours to build, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in the process.
What level of customization is available for buyers?
Buyers have a range of personalization options for their electric Land Rover Defender conversions. These options can include features like convertible tops, Connolly leather trim, and modern audio, climate, and infotainment systems. This allows buyers to tailor their vehicle to their specific preferences and needs.
Where is Raglan based, and where can one acquire their converted vehicles?
Raglan is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. Those interested in acquiring one of their electric Land Rover Defender conversions can inquire directly with the company for more information on availability and pricing.
Are original Land Rover components retained in Raglan’s conversions?
Raglan typically retains only about 60% of the original Land Rover components in their conversions. This highlights their commitment to not only electrifying the powertrain but also meticulously restoring and enhancing the entire vehicle for a seamless blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
7 comments
2,000 hours, that’s dedication. worth it for an electric Defender!
jay leno always gets the coolest cars on his show, amazin’!
85-kwh battery, not bad. bet it costs a pretty penny tho!
wow! Electric Defenders, so cool. i want 1, 600hp is nuts!
0-60 in 5s, EVs takin’ over the world, one car at a time!
Keeping that vintage look with modern tech, awesome job!
Good 2 c classic cars go electric. less fuel, less emissions!