The current-generation Defender (L663) will not get an EV powertrain. The Defender EV will be based on the next-gen SUV, which is unlikely to appear until the end of this decade, according to our sister publication, Autocar UK.

• Defender EV is not doable on the current L663 platform
• The current-gen Defender already gets a plug-in hybrid
• The Defender Octa to participate in next year’s Dakar rally

Next-gen Defender likely to get EV powertrain 

JLR’s chief operating officer, Lennard Hoornik, confirmed that the British brand has observed packaging challenges in the current-gen Defender’s platform. Investigations into the potential for electrification of the current premium SUV have revealed packaging difficulties that may prove to be unassailable.

He further said, “Electrifying the current ‘L663’ car, on its D7x platform, is not what we want. The L663 is brilliant at what it does, and we do have a [four-cylinder] plug-in hybrid version already, but it’s not easy to find the extra space you need within that chassis for batteries, given the axle packaging and the capability that it needs.”

“We have said that we will make an electric production model for each of our new brands [Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar] and remain committed to that,” continued Hoornik. “But finding the space on the current Defender platform is really, really hard. So, we will need to use something different.”

Hoornik didn’t confirm whether this means waiting for a second-generation Defender atop a new platform or, instead, introducing a second Defender-brand model on a dedicated EV platform before, but his comments suggest the former is more likely.

Defender Octa to participate in Dakar Rally in 2026

Hoornik also expanded on JLR’s motivation behind its 2026 entry into the World Rally-Raid Championship, which includes the famous Dakar Rally, with a team of two Defender Octa SUVs.

“We will learn a lot from simply taking part,” Hoornik said. “But it also gives the Defender Octa a sense of purpose and will improve the product, creating an ecosystem of technology,” he added.