Electric Classic Land Rover Defender Reborn by BEDEO & Monarch
BEDEO, a leader in electric vehicle technology and sustainable retrofits, has formed a strategic partnership with Monarch Defender, the globally acclaimed restoration house that reimagines the Land Rover Defender through bespoke craftsmanship, bold design and luxury execution; Monarch, powered by BEDEO, will offer these vehicles to US clients later this year.
The collaboration unites two forward-thinking brands intent on preserving the Land Rover Defender’s legacy while preparing it for a cleaner, more conscious future. BEDEO’s revolutionary in-wheel motor technology, combined with Monarch Defender’s expertise in luxury restoration and customer experience, positions the Reborn Electric: Icons Defender to attract drivers who demand sustainability without compromise.
Launched in 2024, BEDEO’s Reborn Electric: Icons initiative delivered the world’s first electric classic Land Rover Defender using in-wheel motors. Developed by Protean Electric, BEDEO’s group company, this proprietary system eliminates bulky drivetrains, maintains the vehicle’s original kerb weight and delivers whisper-quiet, zero-emission performance. A 75-kWh battery provides an estimated WLTP range of 247 km (153 miles), making the conversion both capable and clean; no other technology currently offers this for classic vehicles.
“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO. “Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people, and they know how to enhance that experience without compromising its essence.
“Monarch, too, are trailblazers as they become the first company to offer in-wheel motors in their builds – a world first for any classic Defender company. In-wheel motors, particularly in this application, offer significant weight, space, and off-road capability gains compared to other electrification systems on the market. Through both the in-wheel motors and our wider electrification system, we [BEDEO] have created a package that makes iconic vehicles fit for a sustainable future. Now, and with Monarch Defender, we can offer that to a wider audience in a way that feels personal, premium and true to the spirit of the original.”
For Monarch Defender, the partnership marks a significant step toward electrification. The company, renowned for creating Land Rover Defenders that blend raw power, modern drivetrains and elegant interiors, serves a global clientele of automotive connoisseurs. Working with BEDEO enables Monarch to future-proof its vision, providing clients with Land Rover Defenders that remain beautiful and bold while meeting the demands of tomorrow’s roads.
“As a brand rooted in heritage, design and experience, we’ve always believed the Defender deserves to evolve with purpose,” said Akif Keskin of Monarch Defender. “We’ve also always aimed to elevate the Defender, not just restore it, and so partnering with BEDEO allows us to take the first step toward electrification in a way that aligns with our values and our customers’ growing appetite for sustainability, without sacrificing what makes these vehicles so iconic. Their [BEDEO’s] in-wheel technology is truly visionary – it respects the Defender’s original character while opening the door to a cleaner, more future-ready experience. For our customers, it’s the best of both worlds – and for us, it’s a natural evolution of what we stand for.”
The first Reborn Electric: Icons Defenders, available through Monarch Defender, is scheduled for release next month, July 2025, with global support, full customisation, and premium customer service guiding every stage of the process.
