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It’s getting easier and easier to perform EV conversions on classic vehicles, especially as more electric crate motors become available. But that’s not the only way to turn a classic car, or indeed, a classic SUV into an EV. ECD Automotive Design’s latest Range Rover Classic restomod goes electric with a different method.

ECD Automotive Design makes an electric Range Rover Classic with a Tesla’s help

The white ECD Automotive Design electric Range Rover Classic plugged into a charger by a white building
ECD Automotive Design electric Range Rover Classic | ECD Automotive Design

Florida-based ECD Automotive Design already has a reputation for its Land Rover and Range Rover Classic restomod builds. But up until now, the company has only offered V8 engines in the latter, MotorTrend reports. That changes with its new electric Range Rover Classic.

The first SUV to benefit from this restomod process is a 1995 Range Rover. And normally, ECD would swap its original 4.2-liter V8 with a Chevrolet V8. However, in this case, the company gave the SUV the 450-hp electric motor from a Tesla Model S. And it’s mounted in the middle where the transmission used to be so it can drive both axles, Ars Technica explains.

The rear view and cargo area of the white ECD electric Range Rover Classic
ECD Automotive Design electric Range Rover Classic rear cargo area | ECD Automotive Design

That electric motor is powered by two battery packs mounted in the cargo area. Their total capacity is 100 kWh, which ECD claims gives the electric Range Rover Classic 220 miles of range. And thanks to that Tesla motor, this restomod EV goes 0-60 mph in a claimed 5.5 seconds.

The electric powertrain isn’t the only update on this Range Rover Classic restomod

Although the Tesla powertrain is a significant change, ECD does more than that to its Range Rover builds. It takes an estimated 2,200 hours for the shop to turn a standard Range Rover Classic into this Tesla-fied version, GQ notes. And that effort goes into both the exterior and interior of the SUV.

Inside, the electric ECD Range Rover Classic has Spinneybeck Puelito leather upholstery, new wood trim on the dash, and new gauges. It also has an Alpine audio system with a 9” center touchscreen, complete with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and navigation. And there’s a CD player mounted in the glovebox. Plus, rather than coil springs, the ECD Range Rover rides on the company’s air suspension.

The tan-leather-upholstered front seats and leather-and-wood-trimmed dash of the ECD electric Range Rover Classic
ECD Automotive Design electric Range Rover Classic front interior | ECD Automotive Design

Despite ECD’s upgrades, the electric Range Rover Classic is still an old SUV, Ars Technica notes. So, compared to a modern EV, there’s more wind noise. However, it’s noticeably quieter than it used to be. And thanks to the new air suspension, it rides comfortably, though it still leans a bit in the corners. ECD is also still calibrating the SUV’s new electric power steering, so there is some slack, Ars Technica reports, but that will likely be rectified soon.

How much will this restored SUV cost you?

As of this writing, ECD Automotive Design has only made one Tesla-swapped Range Rover restomod. But the company does plan to make more, though getting one won’t be easy on your wallet.

A V8-powered ECD Range Rover starts at $169,995. But the electric version starts at $195,000 before options. Add in features like brush guards, roll cages, roof racks, and you’re looking at a $250K SUV, GQ reports.

For roughly the same price, you can get Jensen’s 700-hp supercharged Range Rover restomod. But then, now that EV conversions are growing in popularity, ICE might be too classic for some.

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Matthew Skwarczek

Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.

In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.

Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.