Although it already offers a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Defender, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) wants to move the iconic model away from combustion engines altogether. The company announced that it is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) version, with plans to begin testing within the year.
The iconic Defender gets one step closer to leaving combustion engines behind
The effort is part of JLR’s Project Zeus, an advanced engineering undertaking partly funded by the British government’s Advanced Propulsion Center. Project Zeus aims to give engineers a better understanding of how hydrogen powertrains can be optimized in terms of range, refueling, towing, and off-road capabilities.
“We know hydrogen has a role to play in the future powertrain mix across the whole transport industry, and alongside battery electric vehicles, it offers another zero tailpipe emission solution for the specific capabilities and requirements of Jaguar Land Rover’s world-class lineup of vehicles,” said JLR head of hydrogen fuel cells Ralph Clague.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles will help Jaguar Land Rover achieve zero emissions
FCEVs generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor, with a high energy density and rapid refueling among their key attributes. Low temperatures have a minimal effect on range, making them ideal for models used in environments with temperature extremes.
The number of FCEVs on the road worldwide has nearly doubled since 2018. According to the International Energy Agency, hydrogen refueling stations have increased by almost 20 percent. The Brussels-based Hydrogen Council predicts that there will be at least 10 million FCEVs across the globe by 2030, complemented by 10,000 refueling stations.
The carmaker currently offers a plug-in hybrid version of the Defender
JLR has partnered with companies such Delta Motorsport, AVL, Marelli Automotive Systems, and the U.K. Battery Industrialization Center to deliver Project Zeus. The hydrogen Defender prototype will be put through testing by the end of 2021 in the U.K. for parameters such as off-roading ability and fuel consumption.
In line with the automaker’s Reimagine sustainability strategy, JLR is targeting zero tailpipe emissions across its model range by 2036, to be followed by net zero carbon emissions in all of its operations by 2039.
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Know more about Land Rover Defender 2024
The Land Rover Defender 2024 is a British off-roader vehicle that is available in four configurations. It is offered with a wide array of variants and accessory packs, with the price being available upon request. There are various available engine options in the country, including D200 and D240 4-cylinder diesel engines, D200, D250, and D300 inline-6 diesel engines, P300 4-cylinder gasoline, P400 inline-6 gasoline, and P525 V8 gasoline engines. All of which are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Dimensions-wise, the Defender 90 is 4,583 mm long, 2,008 mm wide, and 1,974 mm high. Meanwhile, the Defender 110 spans 5,018 mm in length, 2,008 mm in width, and 1,972 mm in height. Locally, this British off-roader competes against the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
>>> New and used Land Rover Defender 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Land Rover Defender Launch
The Land Rover Defender 2024, initially called the Land Rover Ninety and Land Rover One Ten was introduced in April 1948 at the Amsterdam Motor Show. After 67 years, the British premium carmaker announced that the production of the Land Rover Defender would be stopped in January 2016. Its last release was in reference to the SUV’s first pre-production model with a HUE 166 number plate.
In September 2019, a refreshed version of this legendary automobile was globally released with two-wheelbase options. In the Philippines, its official importer and distributor All British Cars started accepting pre-orders as early as December 2019. In 2021, the British marque formally introduced the Defender 90.
The three-row Defender 130 was then brought in for the Philippine market in 2023.
Land Rover Defender Exterior
The Land Rover Defender Philippines measures 4,583mm long, 2,105mm wide, and 1,974mm tall. It features a squared-off body structure that perfectly exudes a sporty, modern, and classy aura. Highlights include a contrast-colored roof, a striking pair of premium matrix LED headlights with signature daytime running lights, front fog lights, front and rear classic mudflaps, and spare wheel cover.
Supporting this good-looking SUV is a set of 18inch to 22-inch wheels in a wide array of colors and finishes
Land Rover Defender Interior
Aside from its luxurious and spacious cabin, the Land Rover Defender is furnished with durable materials in a textured powder coat. Notable features include robust woven textiles in its power-adjusted leather seats, electric steering column, cross-car beam with powder coat finish, Clearsight interior rear-view mirror, metal treadplates with the vehicle’s branding, and more. Also, you may choose the vibe inside as Land Rover offers four interior colors namely ebony/ebony, acorn/lunar, khaki/ebony, and vintage tan/ebony.
Technology & Safety Features
For the infotainment, the Defender 2024 is equipped with a 10-inch Pivi Pro with Interactive Driver Display.
Safety is assured as it is packed with features such as six airbags, emergency braking, cruise control, speed limiter, lane keep assist, driver condition monitor, wade sensing, traffic sign recognition, 3D surround camera, and more.
Platform & Chassis
The Defender Philippines 2024 is built with a Double Wishbone suspension at the front and an advanced multi-link suspension at the rear.
Land Rover Defender Engine & Drivetrain
All variants of the Land Rover Defender are powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo gasoline engine which also utilizes a semi-hybrid motor. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and can produce 395 horsepower with 550 Newton Meters.
Land Rover Defender 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Land Rover Defender 110 75th Anniversary Edition | PRICE ON REQUEST |
| Land Rover Defender 90 | PRICE ON REQUEST |
| Land Rover Defender 110 | PRICE ON REQUEST |
| Land Rover Defender 90 75th Anniversary Edition | ₱11,690,000 |
₱ 6,310,000 - ₱ 11,890,000
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