How much does it cost to convert a Land Rover Defender to electric?
About $56,300 to $96,400 all-in at a professional shop for roughly 200 miles of range (2026 prices, US labour rates). A well-known conversion with proven parts.
Cost by range
| Range | Battery | All-in estimate |
| 100 miles | about 49 kWh | $44,400 – $80,300 |
| 200 miles | about 97 kWh | $56,300 – $96,400 |
| 300 miles | about 145 kWh | $68,300 – $112,500 |
For a 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 that runs and has a solid body, at a US shop. Not a quote: real shops bid on Swaxcar, and the bidding finds the real price.
Where the money goes (200 miles)
| Battery, about 97 kWh for ~200 milesA heavy car or truck gets about 2.3 miles per kWh. Priced on 2026 conversion-ready modules. | $22,300 – $30,100 |
| Battery boxes, battery management and high-voltage wiring | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Motor, controller and mounts | $11,000 – $17,000 |
| Charger, DC-DC, heater, gauges, vacuum/steering pumps | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Gearbox adapter or direct-drive setupDepends on whether the shop keeps your gearbox. | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Making the modern dash, ABS and airbags work with the new motorCars from 1990 on have computers that expect an engine. | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Labour, roughly 100–165 hoursA well-known car for conversions. | $10,000 – $23,100 |
| State inspection and registration paperwork | $200 – $600 |
| Contingency for surprises (8%) | $4,200 – $7,100 |
| All-in estimate | $56,300 – $96,400 |
Kits and builders
Several UK firms do these. It is heavy and not aerodynamic, so it needs a big pack.
Known kit makers and builders for this car: Electrogenic, Electric Classic Cars, Everrati. Many local shops on Swaxcar install these kits or build their own.
Questions owners ask
How much does it cost to convert a Land Rover Defender to electric?
At a professional shop in the US, expect about $56,300 to $96,400 all-in for around 200 miles of range on a car that runs and has a solid body. A 100-mile build starts near $44,400; 300 miles can reach $112,500.
Is there a conversion kit for the Land Rover Defender?
A well-known conversion with proven parts. Several UK firms do these. It is heavy and not aerodynamic, so it needs a big pack. Known kit makers and builders include Electrogenic, Electric Classic Cars, Everrati.
What is the most expensive part?
The battery. For 200 miles a Land Rover Defender needs about 97 kWh, which is roughly $22,300 to $30,100 in 2026. Labour is usually second.
What makes the price go up?
Rust and a car that doesn't run. With some rust and a non-running car, the same 200-mile build is closer to $60,100–$110,500. Keeping the manual gearbox adds an adapter; modern cars need extra work on their electronics.
How do I get a real price?
List the car free on Swaxcar. EV conversion shops bid against each other on price, timeline and shipping for 7 days, and you pick the winner. You are never obliged to accept a bid.
Get real bids for your Land Rover Defender
Paste your VIN, answer three quick questions, and get a free estimate for your exact car. Then shops compete for the job.
Other cars
VW Beetle · Porsche 911 · classic Ford Mustang · Ford Bronco · VW Bus · Chevy Camaro, Chevelle or C10 · Ford F-100 · Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 · classic Mini · MGB · Jaguar E-Type · Ford Model A · modern Jaguar (S-Type, XJ)