Karmactive Team
In a groundbreaking move for classic car enthusiasts, British company Bedeo has partnered with Iowa-based Monarch Defender to bring electric-converted Land Rover Defenders with innovative in-wheel motor technology to American customers starting July 2025.
This isn’t just another electric vehicle conversion. What makes this partnership unique is the use of in-wheel motor technology, making it the world’s first classic car retrofit to put electric motors directly inside the wheels rather than using a traditional central motor setup.
“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of Bedeo, when announcing the partnership.
How It Works: Motors in the Wheels
Unlike conventional electric conversions that replace an engine with a centrally-mounted electric motor, Bedeo’s system places four separate motors directly inside the wheel hubs. This approach eliminates the need for bulky components like a central motor, gearbox, differentials, and drive shafts.
Each wheel gets its own motor, producing a combined output of 483 horsepower. This setup allows for precise control of each wheel independently, potentially making these electrified Defenders even more capable off-road than their original diesel-powered versions.
The system is powered by a 75 kWh battery that delivers an estimated range of 153 miles on a single charge. Charging options include a standard 22 kW on-board charger that achieves a full charge in about five hours, with optional 50 kW fast charging available that can recharge the battery in just 90 minutes.
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Maintaining the Defender’s Soul
A key benefit of this conversion approach is that it maintains the vehicle’s original weight distribution while freeing up interior space that would otherwise be taken up by traditional drivetrain components. The companies claim this helps preserve the classic Defender’s authentic driving feel and capabilities while adding modern electric performance.
Akif Keskin of Monarch Defender explains the appeal: “Their in-wheel technology is truly visionary – it respects the Defender’s original character while opening the door to a cleaner, more future-ready experience.”
Monarch Defender, known for its high-end restorations that typically cost around $300,000, will handle the delivery, installation, and customer experience for American buyers. Their conversions often include luxury touches like premium leather interiors, modern climate control, upgraded suspensions, and contemporary tech amenities alongside the electric drivetrain.
The Driving Experience
According to reviewers who have tested Bedeo’s electric Defender conversions, the driving experience is remarkably improved. The most noticeable difference is the silence – gone is the familiar clatter of the diesel engine, replaced by whisper-quiet operation that makes conversation easier and creates a more refined experience.
The electric power delivery is smooth and immediate, with no gears to shift through. This makes off-road driving simpler and more intuitive – just point and go, with the torque vectoring capabilities of the four independent motors helping to maintain traction in challenging terrain.
For those concerned about the additional weight of motors in the wheels (known as “unsprung mass” in automotive engineering), Bedeo has addressed this issue. Their engineering team notes that while each wheel gains about 35kg of weight, the overall sprung-to-unsprung mass ratio remains within acceptable limits for good handling and ride quality.
Availability and Pricing
The first Bedeo-powered Monarch Defenders will be available to American customers starting in July 2025. While specific pricing hasn’t been officially announced, prospective buyers should expect prices in line with Monarch’s typical projects, which come in around $300,000.
This positions the electric Defender conversions firmly in the luxury market, appealing to wealthy enthusiasts who want to combine classic styling with modern, sustainable technology.
The Future of Classic Electrification
This partnership represents just the beginning for Bedeo’s “Reborn Electric: Icons” program, which aims to bring in-wheel motor technology to other classic vehicles beyond the Defender. With over 60 million kilometers of proven electric drivetrain performance behind them, Bedeo brings significant expertise to the growing classic car electrification market.
As gas-powered vehicles face increasing restrictions in urban centers and environmental concerns continue to grow, these premium electric conversions offer a way for classic car enthusiasts to enjoy their vehicles in a more sustainable way – preserving automotive heritage while embracing a cleaner future.
