Defender 90 and 110 engineering
Direct answer
Yes. A Defender conversion can retain permanent four-wheel drive and the transfer case where that layout suits the drivetrain, intended use and engineering targets. Driveline loads, ratios, packaging and efficiency must be considered together.
Who this is for
For Defender 90 and 110 owners or workshops planning a complete conversion, reviewing a component package, or needing specialist support with battery, charging, cooling, controls or an existing build.
What VASS can help with
Common problems solved
Confirmed work & development
An early VASS development vehicle used a Tesla Model 3 drive unit in place of the original transfer-case arrangement, an approximately 35 kWh battery, approximately 7 kW AC charging and approximately 30 kW CCS charging. VASS supported final development, testing and commissioning. Its approximately 80-mile real-world range at the time is historical project evidence—not a current Defender specification.
Read the prototype case study →A soft-top Defender 90 on a new chassis developed a different architecture: approximately 83 kWh using Jaguar I-Pace modules, a Tesla Model 3 drive unit, custom drivetrain interface work, front-and-rear battery packaging and approximately 75 kW CCS. Approximately 300 hp was available in the developed configuration; no range claim is made.
Read the development case study →A left-hand-drive Puma-era project brought together a 100 kWh-class battery architecture, Tesla drivetrain, uprated driveline, original instrumentation, electronic selector and bespoke battery and cabin thermal systems.
Read the integration case study →Engineering approach
Vehicle condition, intended road or off-road use, payload, charging access and the required finish establish the engineering targets.
Drivetrain layout, retained transfer case where appropriate, battery locations and axle loading are considered before the package is fixed.
High voltage, BMS, charging, thermal management, low-voltage controls, instruments and cabin functions are developed as connected systems.
Protection, controls, charging, fault behaviour and system communication are checked as the vehicle is brought into operation.
For workshops & specialist builders
VASS can work with restoration and specialist workshops that need defined support with feasibility, component selection, battery and drivetrain packaging, electrical architecture, controls, diagnostics or commissioning. Scope is agreed around the workshop’s own capabilities and the vehicle in front of it.
Discuss engineering supportFrequently asked questions
A few clear answers to help you decide whether VASS is the right fit before getting in touch.
Yes. Permanent four-wheel drive and the transfer case can be retained where the selected drive unit, ratios and vehicle use support that approach.
Range depends on battery capacity, vehicle mass, tyres, speed, climate and use. VASS develops a realistic target after reviewing packaging and payload rather than promising one generic figure.
Yes. VASS can support diagnostics, charging, battery and HV integration, thermal systems, wiring and commissioning on existing conversions.
Yes. International and workshop-supported projects can be discussed individually. Installation arrangements, destination-market requirements and local compliance need to be assessed for each project.
Start a conversation
Tell us about the vehicle, the work already completed and the outcome you need. VASS will suggest a practical next step.
