► Battery EV from Defender specialists Twisted
► Claims to retain full off-road 4×4 ability
► Huge torque, modest range
Renowned classic Defender restorers and customisers Twisted are now offering full-electric 4x4s based on the iconic Land Rover. It’s been created in response to demand for a zero-emissions version for Twisted customers who drive in other pollution-sensitive areas such as London’s ULEZ.
The same specially-developed electric powertrain can be fitted into 90, 110 and 130 versions of the Defender body. It involves a choice of 61 or 81kWh battery, a motor making 268bhp and 885lb ft of torque.
It has two driving modes, Sport and Eco. The smaller battery can give a range of 140 miles, while the bigger battery could give 180 miles. Charging times will be around three hours, with a suitable charger.
Twisted says the battery and electric motor have been positioned to give weight distribution that will feel familiar to drivers of combustion-engined classic Defenders. There’s also been special attention paid to battery cooling and heating systems, to ensure the car works in extreme conditions, and it has a claimed wading depth of 900mm.
Charles Fawcett, founder of the Thirsk-based company, said: ‘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% 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.
‘There is something extremely special about the Twisted EV. It has incredible power yet still the charm of the classic Defender. The eco mode effortlessly accelerates to 60mph and, with Sport mode engaged, it just pulls and pulls…it’s absolutely brilliant and incredibly fun to drive.’
Prices start from £225,000 plus VAT. Twisted previously offered conversions of combustion-engined Defenders into EVs, but this new project has been designed from the ground up – although the end result is remarkably similar in spirit and in detail to combustion-engined Defenders. Outside, the fuel filler cap has been replaced by a charging point; inside, the dials have been replaced to give EV-specific information; under the hood, the engine bay is unrecognisable.