Electric Series III??

J80s · May 27, 2017

I'm aware that some may consider even asking this question sacrilegious but I'm interested in getting opinions on converting a 1976 Series III to electric.

The engine (2.3 diesel) and gearbox are going to need replacing and I was wondering if I should go with something that ran a little smoother than what's in it, that got better milage and didn't completely suffocate me with the fumes (I know it's part of the charm but up to a certain point!).

Has anyone seen this done with a Series, or any similar-type vehicles? Anything particular to watch out for? And how would it drive afterwards compared to a 2.3 diesel series- I presume it wouldn't off-road particularly well, would it be 2 wheel drive only?

One part of me wants to be a purist, but considering how little of the parts are original to it anyway (it was a petrol before the current diesel etc) another part of me says adapt and get more use out of the vehicle.

boguing · May 27, 2017

Either Land Rover Owner or LRO International wrote about one that an American had done - fairly sure it was an SIII. I've had a quick Google, but you might be better just 'phoning the magazines and asking them, and then get in touch with the chap. The only limit to how good it would be off road is your wallet.

sausage · May 27, 2017

This would be the ultimate recycled eco friendly 4x4, I've been thinking about similar ideas not sure how the drivetrain would handle the tourqe though ,I've seen heaps of retrofitted electric conversions here in NZ mainly built for drags and speed, the biggest obstacle here is range between charging ,I say go for it ,anything is doable

Land Raver · May 28, 2017

If it's a project you're after then go for it and have some fun.

If you need a purposeful Land Rover then I don't see any benefit. Getting the vehicle registration bits changed could be interesting and insurance possibly a challenge? The brakes would probably need upgrading as the engine / transmission would probably not offer the same braking assistance.

Turboman · May 28, 2017

J80s said:
I'm aware that some may consider even asking this question sacrilegious but I'm interested in getting opinions on converting a 1976 Series III to electric.

The engine (2.3 diesel) and gearbox are going to need replacing and I was wondering if I should go with something that ran a little smoother than what's in it, that got better milage and didn't completely suffocate me with the fumes (I know it's part of the charm but up to a certain point!).

Has anyone seen this done with a Series, or any similar-type vehicles? Anything particular to watch out for? And how would it drive afterwards compared to a 2.3 diesel series- I presume it wouldn't off-road particularly well, would it be 2 wheel drive only?

One part of me wants to be a purist, but considering how little of the parts are original to it anyway (it was a petrol before the current diesel etc) another part of me says adapt and get more use out of the vehicle.

Can't you just get a good petrol engine? They are a better engine than the diesels anyway.

And a well set up 2 1/4 diesel will not be smokey, old, worn ones are.

Electric sounds like a lot of time, hassle,and expense, to make something that won't be much good anyway.

neilly · May 28, 2017

If LR can make a leccy driven Fender , then no reason why you should not be able to make the same idea fit a series.

If you watch wheeler dealers they did it on some old motor ( not a 4wd) on the "american" show.

Would be interesting to see how you get on. Especially ref the legality of it going on the road.

Cheers

J80s · May 28, 2017

Thanks everyone for feedback. Yes the diesel I have in it is worn, will have to change sooner or later anyway, so considering all options. Having done a bit more digging found some videos:

From what I've come across so far it seems like more than just a concept, that people are out there practically doing it. I'm investigating cost and paperwork but that aside can you see any major disadvantages to it? The idea of a quiet commute, saving a lot on diesel, fresh air, decent torque and the ability to get going at lights while still having the charm of a series seems quite tempting.

Shippers · May 28, 2017

Not Landys but remember mini-mokes they're producing them electric now,yes I know not the same weight etc but they're down here and around 17,000€!

Turboman · May 28, 2017

J80s said:
Thanks everyone for feedback. Yes the diesel I have in it is worn, will have to change sooner or later anyway, so considering all options. Having done a bit more digging found some videos:

From what I've come across so far it seems like more than just a concept, that people are out there practically doing it. I'm investigating cost and paperwork but that aside can you see any major disadvantages to it? The idea of a quiet commute, saving a lot on diesel, fresh air, decent torque and the ability to get going at lights while still having the charm of a series seems quite tempting.

Remember those are publicity stunts, funded by major companies.

Shippers said:
Not Landys but remember mini-mokes they're producing them electric now,yes I know not the same weight etc but they're down here and around 17,000€!

£15,000 for a Mini Moke aint exactly bargain basement, and you have to find somewhere to charge it.

neilly · May 28, 2017

Remember this:

Top Gear: Hammerhead Eagle i Thrust , What a beast.

Cheers

Shippers · May 28, 2017

Didn't say they were cheap!and you just charge them along side your golf buggy here.

Turboman · May 28, 2017

Shippers said:
Didn't say they were cheap!and you just charge them along side your golf buggy here.

I don't have a golf buggy. And no intention of getting one, or playing golf.
Charging points are rare in the more out of the way places that landrovers often get used in.

Shippers · May 28, 2017

Golf buggy's tend to be used off-road more often than Land-Rovers I think you'll find!And down here not usually seen parked two wheels on the pavement doing the school run.

sausage · May 28, 2017

www.electricclassiccars.co.uk anythings possible with the right knowledge

wattfield · May 28, 2017

There was a Series 1 in one of the LR mags a while ago, in Austria I think. I do remember it was very expensive.

Colthebrummie · May 29, 2017

I very much like the idea of an electric landy but it's drawback will be the range and recharging time. I don't know how many battery cells it will need or the type of battery being considered but I imagine it will be flipping heavy. To be fair, my landy doesn't often venture more than about 25 miles so that's ok but I wouldn't want it to be on charge for several hours afterwards.

Col

Turboman · May 29, 2017

Shippers said:
Golf buggy's tend to be used off-road more often than Land-Rovers I think you'll find!And down here not usually seen parked two wheels on the pavement doing the school run.

I don't do school runs either. My daughter is 32. And my Landrover almost never goes on the road, except to the fuel station for fuel.
I don't even have to drive it myself much, my wife is using it to do the farm work at the moment.

Shippers · May 29, 2017

If it was electric you wouldn't have to go to the fuel station! A long extension cable from hay shed job done.

Alan Crossley · May 29, 2017

I want one

wattfield · May 29, 2017

In the Series 1, there was no room in the back for anything once the batteries were in!

Electric Series III??

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