Thread: The "New" Defender, ...Your Thoughts?

10 years for a battery powered 4wd that could replace the defenders range, towing, payload etc. and just as affordable. Surely an optimistic estimate.

10 years is wishful thinking, I'm not saying impossible, but unlikely IMO.

Originally Posted by bee utey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmcMmYdF6lA

2016 and we have to go back to a 19th century solution! There needs to be some major breakthroughs in efficient, cheap, high capacity, long life, lightweight battery storage that can be mass produced, recycled with minimal eco impact.... and soon!

If only they could make huge amounts of hydrogen from solar power, failing that go nuclear. Still need to distribute it like oil but if tankers and trucks are all running on it, it could be a cleaner more sustainable path.

There's no way I would buy a nuclear powered car. But I'd definately be an early adopter of a truly solar powered vehicle if it ever becomes a reality, or if base load power becomes environmentally friendly through solar, wind, hydro, etc. and if batteries can be swapped out anywhere. Otherwise diesel hybrid is the way to go and most likely in next 10 years.

Originally Posted by manic

If only they could make huge amounts of hydrogen from solar power, failing that go nuclear. Still need to distribute it like oil but if tankers and trucks are all running on it, it could be a cleaner more sustainable path.

We could try harnessing lightning to electrolyse huge amounts of sea water to produce huge amounts of hydrogen.
Build a big conductor tower to transmit the DC charge into a massive reactor capable of capturing the resulting gas.

Holy cr@p it would be one hell of a reaction to watch.

Lots of talk about electric power,....I don't see that in the new Defender.
Pickles.

http://www.csiro.au/en/News/News-rel...79C7A5DC28BAD5

The CSIRO have a new battery technology that they are calling an electric car industry 'disruptor'.

Bathing lithium battery electrodes in a salt bath...

Disruptor technology = good thing

If it were a Hybrid would the electrical side give the engine more power on the torque side of things......??

I think a new JLR EV 4x4 is the only other plausible reason (other than the probability that Defender really is finished) for the constant delays in any real announcement on a new Defender.

While nothing definitive, there are many related stories drawing on the electric Defender trials in 2013 and the fast growing EV design industry. Eg:
Jaguar - Land Rover developing electric crossover | Digital Trends

If this is true, they can take as long as they need to get it right IMO. If a new model Defender is a truly environmentally friendly EV and retains its pragmatic heavy duty capability and long distance touring capability within an excellent design I will gladly eat humble pie....and buy one.