US-based E.C.D. Automotive Design has a simple goal, and that is to make iconic cars suitable for 21st-century motoring. Their latest piece of automotive wizardry and design involves a Range Rover Classic coupled with a Tesla powertrain.
I love classics, cars, motorcycles even motorboats and take great pleasure in seeing them used. It is one thing to walk around a museum or car show and see beautiful designs of the past lined up in silence. It’s an entirely different kettle of fish, seeing them move under their own power.
Over the decades, my Father and Uncle were constantly telling me that machines are made to function, and if we don’t use them, we’ll lose them. With these words engrained into my mind, I was eager to learn more about E.C.D’s Range Rover electrification project.
The Floridian company has taken their experience restoring classic cars and combined this with the latest state-of-the-art technology. For their latest venture, they’ve used a powertrain from the famous Tesla organisation and have sympathetically installed it into a Range Rover Classic. In doing so, they’ve breathed new life into an iconic car, making it suitable for 21st-century needs and beyond.
Goodbye combustion, hello to greener motoring
Countries are seeking to ban the use of Internal Combustion Engines in a move to slow Climate Change. Whether combustion engines are one of the main contributors to climate change is still hotly debated in some quarters. Irrespective of your feeling on this, decisions have been made. By 2030, countries want to see what many people view as greener forms of motoring dominating their road networks.
With this in mind, the question needs to be asked, where do classic cars stand with all these changes?
I have to praise companies such as E.C.D, who are proactively looking at the classic vehicle market and the future of motoring. Their use of electric power technology is a sure-fire way to ensure that some of these great cars remain visible on the road.
How E.C.D Electrified a Classic Range Rover
The conversion process began in 2020 when E.C.D. joined forces with the U.K.’s leader in electric conversions of classic vehicles, Electric Classic Cars (E.C.C.), to secure the Tesla motor. E.C.D. embarked on a 2,200-hour luxury design experience that involved taking the client through countless customisation options.
The Range Rover Classic was entirely stripped down to allow the Tesla unit to be installed and enable the car to maintain its heritage.
The build takes place in a 45,000 square foot “Rover Dome” facility where 12 bays are filled with specialised technicians and master certified craftsmen. The Tesla motor is installed with a 100-kWh battery pack. This means that E.C.D’s Range Rover Classic can drive an estimated 220 miles on just a five-hour charge and is able to go from 0-60 mph in an impressive 5.2 seconds.
This Electric Range Rover Classic ways sprayed with glossy Alpine White paintwork which is a beautiful contrast to the black grille and the silver metal front and rear bumpers.
This is a Range Rover Classic that is now crammed with technology, including the all-important ability to generate extra power via braking, and yet it still maintains its iconic integrity.
“Being leaders in the luxury custom car industry, it was important to us to expand our offerings into the electric market,” said Tom Humble, founder of E.C.D. Automotive.
“Now that we have finished the Electric Range Rover Classic, we’re going to continue to innovate and electrify Defenders and other Land Rovers. We offer our clients world-class customisation, and we are excited to add this new electric option to our truck builds.”
E.C.D Automotive Design – Where and How?
About the company
E.C.D. Automotive Design is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Each car is entirely bespoke, a one-off designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified A.S.E. Craftsmen.
Three British “petrol heads” started the company in 2013, allowing their passion for classic vehicles to shine. This is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. E.C.D. Automotive Design’s global headquarters, known as the “Rover Dome,” is located in Kissimmee, Florida. For more information, visit ecdautodesign.com.
Read more electric vehicle guides, news and features in our dedicated section here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.