Gray Custom Defender 110 parked in front of cream-colored townhomes
A Custom Defender 110 Reimagined for Modern Luxury and AdventurePhoto Courtesy of ECD Automotive Design

ECD Automotive Design Electrifies the Iconic Defender 110 with Project Powder Keg

A Bespoke All-Electric Build Blending Overlanding Heritage, Cutting-Edge EV Performance, and Bespoke Luxury

Source: ECD Automotive Design

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

A Defender Reborn for the Electric Era

ECD Automotive Design, the nation’s foremost builder of bespoke luxury Land Rover Defenders and classic British icons, has unveiled Project Powder Keg, an all-electric reimagining of the legendary Defender 110. Designed for a client with a distinct vision for both style and sustainability, the build preserves the Defender’s rugged overlanding legacy while introducing next-generation EV performance and refinement.

“Electrifying the Defender 110 was a great challenge. This vehicle has such a rich legacy as an overlanding workhorse, and we wanted to preserve every ounce of that spirit while ushering it into the electric era.”

Elliot Humble, ECD’s Chief Technical Officer

He continued, “Project Powder Keg embodies everything we love about the Defender: capability, character, and charisma, now delivering all that with instant EV torque and zero compromise.”

Striking Design, Built for Purpose

Artisanal Touches Blending Luxury And Functionality
Artisanal Touches Blending Luxury And Expedition-Ready FunctionalityPhoto Courtesy of ECD Automotive Design

In Bonatti Gray with Shadow Black accents, Project Powder Keg commands attention without unnecessary flash. A six-point external roll cage outlines its profile like protective armor, while a metal A-bar bumper with an integrated Warn winch ensures it remains recovery-ready. Strategically placed LED spotlights at both ends offer superior illumination, whether navigating desert trails under a moonless sky or threading through fog-covered backroads.

Every design choice blends visual impact with functionality, honoring the Defender’s heritage while elevating its presence for a new generation.

Performance That Redefines Capability

Beneath its purposeful exterior lies ECD’s Electric Direct EV drivetrain—engineered in-house as part of its next-gen electric platform. Delivering more than 300 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque, the system provides responsive acceleration and precise handling across varied terrain. The 84 kWh battery delivers up to 200 miles of range, with rapid charging from 10% to 80% achievable in under an hour.

Selectable two- or four-wheel drive and three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—ensure adaptability for both urban commutes and serious off-road expeditions. A dedicated touchscreen interface puts all powertrain settings at the driver’s fingertips.

ECD Automotive Design’s Custom EV System
ECD Automotive Design’s Custom EV System Delivers Silent, High-Torque PerformancePhoto Courtesy of ECD Automotive Design
Gray Custom Defender 110 parked in front of cream-colored townhomes
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Interior Craftsmanship with a Personal Signature

Inside, the cabin reflects ECD’s dedication to detail. Upholstered throughout in a deep Sumac tone, the space feels both inviting and tailored. The Exmoor Evander steering wheel pairs vintage-inspired styling with modern refinement, framed by electric-set gauges that deliver essential information with clarity.

Recaro Orthoped seats in the front and middle rows offer long-haul comfort, while four inward-facing jump seats in the rear—stitched in horizontal Veluto Pelle leather—add versatility. Billet aluminum accents, a premium infotainment system, and meticulous custom stitching underscore the vehicle’s bespoke nature.

A Showcase of Bespoke Innovation

From its aggressive stance and all-terrain tires to the intricacies of its interior finish, Project Powder Keg exemplifies ECD’s approach: vehicles as personalized works of engineering and design.

“At ECD, we thrive on pushing boundaries—not just in performance, but in personalization. Our world-class team of engineers, designers, and craftsmen continues to embrace every challenge that comes our way. Whether it’s an EV-powered Defender or a reimagined classic Jaguar, we’re building vehicles that tell bold new stories with every bolt and stitch.”

Elliot Humble, ECD’s Chief Technical Officer

Bodywork, Rugged Wheels, and a Rear-Mounted Spare Make Striking Presence
Matte Bodywork, Rugged Wheels, and a Rear-Mounted Spare Make for a Striking City PresencePhoto Courtesy of ECD Automotive Design

Leading the Charge in Luxury EV Conversions

Project Powder Keg is more than a bespoke EV—it’s a statement of what’s possible when heritage meets innovation. By electrifying icons without sacrificing their essence, ECD Automotive Design continues to set the standard for luxury EV conversions, catering to a clientele that values individuality, sustainability, and uncompromising performance.

Contemporary Dashboard Design With Heritage-Inspired Aesthetics
Contemporary Dashboard Design With Heritage-Inspired AestheticsPhoto Courtesy of ECD Automotive Design

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