Looks like we’re well past the part of history during which electric cars are low-powered, styleless runabouts for sandal-wearing tree huggers. We have no officially entered the part of EV history in which style- and power-heavy trucks rule the roost.
The latest example of that burgeoning trend is Zero Labs’ Land Rover Series III 109 all-electric conversion.
Zero Labs starts with a 1971 through 1985 Series III 5-door 109 and transforms it into a cutting-edge electric vehicle. You can choose either a 85- or 100-kiloWatt-hour battery pack. If you choose the bigger pack, Zero Labs claims the rig will do 235 miles per charge.
Photo: Zero Labs
Peak power output is 440 kiloWatts, which is equivalent to 600 horsepower. I hope they reinforce the chassis because I don’t believe for one hot second a Land Rover chassis designed in the ‘60s can handle that kind of power.
The Series III offered in two packages: the Classic Package or the Beach Package.
Classic is outfitted with a fixed hardtop and steel wheels.
Beach has either a removable hard- or soft-top and has finishes that resist salt, sun, mildew, and UV rays — so your expensive EV truck isn’t tarnished by the beach-y elements. They top of the Beach Package with a roof mount for a surfboard.
Photo: Zero Labs
All of this will set you back $185,000 to start. I am sure they’ll take more of your money, if you wish to upgrade the rig.
I know a lot of overlanders balk at EVs. But with 235 miles per charge, this thing is getting near a usable range. I mean, my Gladiator only goes 220 miles per tank. Yes, I can refuel from onboard RotopaX. But these Zero Labs rigs boast fast charging.
So long as you can get near a charger within 200 miles, you could easily do some great overland journeys in these. Just saying.
If you’d like to learn more or place and order (do it) check out Zero Labs website.
Header image credit: Zero Labs
Article written by Nick Jaynes. You can follow Nick @nickjaynes
