4x4 Electric Chassis Swap

Why It Matters

The modular skateboard chassis enables rapid, high‑performance electrification of classic vehicles, opening a new market for sustainable retro‑car conversions and accelerating EV adoption among enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• New 4x4 electric skateboard chassis replaces classic Land Rover chassis.
• 82 kWh battery pack and dual motors deliver 600 hp, four‑wheel drive.
• Modular design uses threaded inserts for adaptable mounting across vehicle models.
• Weight reduced to ~1,850 kg, achieving near 50/50 front‑rear balance.
• Road‑legal approval pursued via UK IVA, targeting US and UK markets.

Summary

The video follows Electric Classic Cars as they remove a Land Rover Defender body and install it onto a purpose‑built 4x4 electric skateboard chassis. Host Richard walks viewers through the heavy‑lifting process, the bolt‑out sequence, and the final placement of the body onto the new platform.

The skateboard chassis features an 82 kWh battery pack, dual front‑and‑rear motors delivering roughly 600 hp, and a full thermal‑management system with radiators, coolant lines, and high‑voltage routing through a central spine. A modular mounting scheme with threaded inserts allows the same chassis to accommodate Land Rovers, classic Range Rovers, Ford Broncos and other vintage trucks, while an electric brake booster replaces the original vacuum‑assist system.

During the build, the team highlights key performance metrics: the converted Defender weighs about 1,850 kg—roughly 150 kg lighter than its diesel predecessor—and achieves near‑perfect 50/50 weight distribution. A temporary control panel demonstrates drive functions, and Richard estimates 0‑60 times between 3.5 and 4.5 seconds, comparable to a Tesla Model 3 Performance.

The project underscores a shift toward modular EV conversions, offering classic‑car enthusiasts a road‑legal, high‑performance alternative without redesigning each vehicle from scratch. By targeting the US and UK markets and navigating IVA certification, the company aims to commercialize the chassis for low‑volume manufacturers, potentially reshaping the niche classic‑car restoration industry.

Original Description

Time to put a body on our new modular 4x4 skateboard chassis.

Our electric skateboard chassis is designed to accept classic 4x4 bodies like Land Rover Defenders, Range Rover Classics, Ford Bronco, International Scout, Toyota FJ and classic American pickup trucks. But today we're putting our old beater shop truck Land Rover Defender body on to start road testing.

Now converting an old 4x4 or pickup is as easy as removing the body and bolting it onto a new chassis, except this time it's an electric skateboard chassis.

If you are interested in converting your vehicle to electric contact us via our website:

https://www.electricclassiccars.com

If you're interested in an electric Land Rover Defender then contact our partners:

https://www.arkonik.com/