REBORN IN THE USA: BEDEO AND MONARCH DEFENDER PARTNER TO DELIVER LUXURY ELECTRIC CLASSIC DEFENDER TO GLOBAL AUDIENCE
- BEDEO has partnered with Monarch Defender for the Reborn Electric: Icons Defender, with a strategic focus on the USA
- Powered by a 75-kWh battery and BEDEO’s in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, the Land Rover Defender conversion delivers up to 247 km (153 miles) of electric-only range and zero-emissions performance in any environment
- Monarch Defender will support delivery, installation, and customer experience across North America and beyond, as part of a joint commitment to preserving automotive heritage through sustainable innovation
- BEDEO’s proprietary IWM retrofit system remains the only one of its kind available for classic EV conversions, backed by over 60 million kilometres of proven electric drivetrain performance since 2009
- Together, BEDEO and Monarch Defender are redefining the future of classic motoring – electric, luxurious, and built to last,
For more information, visit bedeo.tech or monarchdefender.com
Farnham, 19th June 2025:
BEDEO, a leading innovator in electric vehicle technology and sustainable retrofits, has announced a strategic partnership with Monarch Defender – the internationally renowned restoration house known for redefining the Land Rover Defender through bespoke craftsmanship, bold design, and luxury execution. Monarch, powered by BEDEO, will be available later in 2025.
This collaboration brings together two forward-thinking brands with a shared vision: to preserve the Land Rover Defender’s legacy while preparing it for a cleaner, more conscious future. With BEDEO’s revolutionary in-wheel motor (IWM) technology and Monarch Defender’s deep expertise in luxury restoration and customer experience, the Reborn Electric: Icons Defender is now positioned to reach a new generation of drivers seeking sustainability without compromise.
Launched in 2024, BEDEO’s Reborn Electric: Icons initiative introduced the world’s first electric classic Land Rover Defender using in-wheel motor technology. Developed by BEDEO’s group company Protean Electric, this proprietary IWM system eliminates the need for bulky drivetrains, maintains the vehicle’s original kerb weight, and delivers whisper-quiet, zero-emissions driving. With a 75-kWh battery and an estimated WLTP range of 247 km (153 miles), it’s as capable as it is clean – and it’s the only conversion technology of its kind currently available 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 elevate that experience without losing its soul.
“Monarch, too, are trailblazers as they become first company to offer in-wheel motors in their builds – a world first for any classic Defender company. In-wheel motors, in this application especially, have huge weight, space and off-road capability gains vs 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 now offer that to a wider audience in a way that feels personal, premium, and true to the spirit of the original.”
For Monarch Defender, this partnership marks an exciting and strategic step into electrification. Known for creating Land Rover Defenders that blend raw power, modern drivetrains, and elegant interiors, Monarch Defender has long catered to a global audience of automotive connoisseurs. The collaboration with BEDEO allows the brand to future-proof its vision, giving clients the opportunity to own Land Rover Defenders that are not only beautiful and bold – but built for the world ahead.
“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 are expected to be available from July 2025, with global support, full customisation, and premium customer service built into every stage of the process. To explore Monarch Defender’s bespoke restorations and global services, visit monarchdefender.com or contact info@monarchdefender.com.Top of Form
For more information about BEDEO and its electric retrofit technology, visit bedeo.tech. To enquire about sales, collaborations, or becoming an approved partner installer, contact info@bedeo.tech.
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About BEDEO
BEDEO (formerly BD Auto) has established itself, and its group companies, as one of the most trailblazing, transformative and trusted vehicle electrification technology providers globally.
Founded in 2009 by Osman Boyner, the company is headquartered in Farnham, UK, with manufacturing in Turkey and China. BEDEO’s vision is to decarbonise the LCV industry utilising its proprietary, in-house manufactured electrification solutions, including but not limited to: its in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, inverter, battery pack and cabling.
Today, BEDEO Group, which consists of BEDEO and Protean Electric, collectively hold over 300 patents and OEM production credentials in safety, production and homologation. Focusing on the next generation of decarbonisation solutions, BEDEO Group continues to develop technology IP to lead the path for a cleaner, more connected future.
Approved by leading OEM group Stellantis, BEDEO can fit Reborn Electric solutions to a wide range of large commercial vans including the Citroën Jumper, Fiat Ducato, the Peugeot Boxer and Vauxhall / Opel Movano (brand depending on market), with the intention to be a solution provider for all large vans.
BEDEO’s transformative approach and unmatched time-to-market speed have also made it the partner of choice for over forty blue-chip customers in logistics, e-commerce, online grocery and food retail, and urban waste management including Aras-Kargo, DHL, DPD, Migros, Ocado and TNT / FedEx among others.
With a focus on making a radical impact on decarbonisation in city centres and accelerating the overall transition to fleet electrification, BEDEO recently introduced an innovative and advanced retrofit solution (named Reborn Electric), converting existing diesel vans into electric or range extended using IWM technology, solving range anxiety issues and low-emission concerns in one solution.
With a commitment to sustainable mobility, BEDEO is actively expanding into the marine and aviation markets.
For more information, visit bedeo.tech.
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Hannah Burgess
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