Hollywood A-lister Jason Momoa’s vintage Land Rovers and Harley-Davidsons converted to electric power by Electrogenic for new season of ‘On The Roam’
British EV technology company Electrogenic has revealed the latest vehicles it has converted to electric drive for Hollywood A-lister Jason Momoa – star of Game of Thrones, Aquaman and Dune. The UK-based business has re-engineered five of Momoa’s cherished machines – two classic Land Rovers and three Harley Davidson motorbikes – for the new season of his acclaimed documentary series, On The Roam.
Electrogenic has converted two extremely rare Land Rovers – a 1961 Series IIA 109 Dormobile and a 1949 Series I 80” – to all-electric power, along with his vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles, creatively reimagined by Electrogenic as a plug-in hybrids.
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Electrogenic also equipped Momoa’s Schutt Industries XVENTURE XV-2 trailer with integrated battery storage – ideal for off-grid camping excursions.
The vehicles
and the painstaking process behind their conversions, play a starring role in episode 4 of the new series of On the Roam, ‘Off The Grid’, which premieres on 4th June on HBO Max (accessed via Amazon Prime) and Discovery+.
The new builds follow on from Electrogenic’s conversion of Momoa’s 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II to electric power, which was revealed in the first series of On The Roam, in 2024. Still the most ambitious and complex EV conversion completed globally to date, the Phantom II project spawned an ongoing creative partnership between the actor and the Oxford-based EV technology firm.
Working closely with Momoa, a passionate car enthusiast and environmentalist, Electrogenic applied the same philosophy to the latest project as it did to the Phantom: giving each a clean and reliable up-to-date powertrain, all while honouring the engineering and character of the original vehicles – ensuring they can be used freely and bring joy for many decades to come. As with all Electrogenic conversions, nothing has been cut, drilled or welded on the original vehicles, and each conversion is entirely reversible.
Jason Momoa said: “I really love annoying Steve at Electrogenic and trying to make things extremely difficult for them. I come in with the wildest ideas. That’s three times you have made my dreams come true.
“I’m always excited about what’s happening with technology and how we move through this world. So that’s the motivation (for these projects). I live a life that’s kind of off the grid, and I love being outdoors… I want to be able to stay outdoors and try to do something in a more sustainable way.”
Steve Drummond, CEO, Electrogenic, added: “We are delighted to reveal the latest projects that we have carried out with Jason Momoa, which are featured in Season 2 of his show, On the Roam. Jason likes to challenge us; for Season 1 we converted his Rolls- Royce Phantom II, which was immensely complex and still stands as the most ambitious electric conversion carried out worldwide. For Season 2, not only did he present us with new ideas and new challenges, but he entrusted us with vehicles that are very close to his heart.
“Our team are amazing: with a unique ability to blend Electrogenic’s cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artisan skills. They have carefully preserved the unique character of the vehicles, while discreetly equipping them with our state-of-the-art EV systems. This technology – and crucially, our proprietary vehicle control software – gives us the freedom to select the very best components and precisely define the characteristics of each vehicle.
“The technical challenge with the Land Rovers was to introduce electric power while retaining the original four-wheel-drive transmission, which is what gives these iconic vehicles their unrivalled offroad capabilities – now enhanced by effortless torque. For the Harley-Davidsons, the challenge was even greater: to ensure technologies that were made 100 years apart work seamlessly together. Our in-house technology is the ‘secret sauce’ that makes it all possible.
“The Series 1 Land Rover is effortless to drive and no longer has exhaust gasses that notoriously recirculate into the cabin. The Dormobile camper how features an induction hob and other ‘mod cons’. The bikes can now be ridden on pure electric, petrol only or on combined hybrid power, and riders can switch between these effortlessly on the go. Perhaps even more exciting for the old Harleys is that the motor acts as an electric starter for the engine – no more kick-starter mishaps!
“The results stand as a testament to the creativity and world-class powertrain capabilities of our fantastic team. We’re immensely proud of the finished builds, and conversion kits for the Land Rovers and Harleys are available for shipping worldwide. As ever, Jason’s creative mind, his appreciation of our work and the infectious enthusiasm he has for pushing the boundaries with these beautiful old vehicles, makes it a joy to work with him.”
Electrogenic is a global leader in EV powertrain technology, with a comprehensive range of proprietary hardware and software solutions, all developed in the UK. In addition to its bespoke conversions, Electrogenic uses its sector-leading hardware and software expertise to develop and manufacture EV powertrain technology and systems for automotive manufacturers and Defence applications.
Electrogenic is also known for its comprehensive range of easy-to-install ‘plug-and-play’ conversion kits to electrify iconic models. These tried and tested packages are offered around the world via an approved partner network, which spans Europe, North America, Africa and Aisa Pacific. Electrogenic’s kit range includes options for a range of iconic models, including the Land Rover Defender and Series, classic Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type (XKE), DeLorean DMC-12, Mazda MX-5 and classic Mini.
Two rare classic Land Rovers, sympathetically electrified
The first of the two Land Rovers converted for Momoa is a 1949 Series 1 80” – one of the earliest, most historically significant Land Rover models. The conversion incorporates a 48kWh battery pack, which is neatly packaged into the Land Rover’s engine bay, filling the space vacated by the original 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 50bhp power unit. The batteries are housed within a bespoke battery box created for Momoa, designed to reflect the patina of the vehicle which still retains its original paint.
The batteries feed a 150kW electric motor, dialled down to approximately a third of the available torque, to ensure it is responsive but not too potent for the light-weight vehicle. The motor drives the original transmission via a proprietary 2:1 fixed reduction gearbox which is bolted directly to the original transfer box. This ensures that all the functionality and character of the four-wheel-drive system – including all the original levers – is preserved.
Lightweight and simple, the Series I has been transformed into a clean, capable and characterful classic that drives with renewed vigour, enhancing the qualities that made the original such an icon. It is also equipped with CCS super-fast charging and a real-world range in excess of 150 miles.
The second Land Rover is a 1961 Series IIA 109 Dormobile – an exceptionally rare variant. Just 150 examples of the Dormobile camper conversion were ever produced, making it one of the most collectible variants in the Series IIA line-up. Electrogenic has converted the Dormobile to clean, all-electric power, while taking great care to preserve the vehicle’s original character, functionality and off-road ability.
The conversion incorporates a 62kWh battery, packaged into the original engine bay and behind the rear axle, where the fuel tank was. It has CCS super-fast charging and a range of 150 miles in real-world use. The Land Rover is powered by a 120kW electric motor, coupled to a bespoke 2.9:1 fixed reduction gearbox that again bolts directly to the original transfer box – retaining the Series 2a’s selectable four-wheel-drive. As with all Electrogenic work, nothing was cut or drilled on the original vehicle, and the conversion is entirely reversible.
The Dormobile camper interior has also been electrified, with a modern induction hob in place of the original gas appliance – allowing the vehicle to be used as an entirely self-sufficient, fully zero-emission camper, enabling driver and passengers to explore off the beaten track for days at a time.
Commenting on driving the converted Land Rovers, Momoa said: “It’s a whole different experience, me and my daughter going through the forest quietly – it’s beautiful.”
Vintage Harley-Davidsons reimagined as plug-in hybrids – now available as ‘drop in’ kit
Alongside the two Land Rovers, Electrogenic has electrified three of Momoa’s cherished vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles; the first two-wheeled conversions undertaken by the brand.
The three bikes include a 1924 Harley-Davidson Model JD and a 1927 Model JD – both powered by twin-cylinder, 74 cubic inch petrol engines producing 20bhp and 50lb-ft of torque which have been revised to feature an EV powertrain working alongside the original petrol engines in a ‘plug in hybrid’ setup. A further 1921 Model FD has been converted to EV-only power.
Momoa said: “This is the best thing we’ve ever made… (it is) unbelievable. It’s so smooth. I’ve ridden on an e-bike before, I’ve ridden on e-bicycles, I’ve ridden on e-motorcycles, but the idea of riding on an old (electrified) bike, it was just unlike anything I’ve experienced.
“If I want to hear the sound (I can), and if not I can just flip it over (to electric). I feel that anyone who rides motorcycles needs to try it. You’re brain is going: “I’m moving, I’ve got power coming to me and there’s no sound.” I can have a full conversation with my friend, just going through the mountains… cruising on this old 1920s bike, and totally feeling it’s a 1920s bike. It’s just a really beautiful experience.”
Electrogenic’s conversions not only enable silent, zero-emissions running, but also significantly improve the overall safety and useability of the circa 100-year-old motorcycles, which hail from an era in which bikes were demanding and risky to operate. The original bikes were challenging to kick-start, and had no front brakes, relying solely on ‘band-style’ rear brakes and engine compression to slow them down.
Electrogenic’s innovative solution – which is available for purchase as ‘drop in’ kit – transforms the riding experience. Each bike has been discreetly fitted with an 11kW (15bhp) Maeving hub motor built into the rear wheel, producing 260Nm (190lb-ft) of torque. This gives the motorcycles effortless electric performance, with the added benefit of easy electric start. A modern disc brake has been added to the rear wheel in place of the original band brake, significantly increasing stopping power.
Drummond added: “When Jason outlined his concept of a petrol Harley with an electric motor in the rear wheel, we researched the technical options and the only company in the world that manufactures a motor that is powerful enough is Maeving. Maeving was kind enough to sell us some units, and the Harleys use the UK-based company’s removable battery packs too.
“Getting it to all work – and work seamlessly – required a great deal of R&D and extensive calibration. We’re delighted with the results; they offer a unique riding experience, and the acceleration when you select second gear whilst cruising on combined petrol and electric power is addictive!”
The batteries and control units are all tucked away in custom, period-correct panniers. The panniers are essentially the same dimensions as original period items, though a little deeper. They can be finished in leather or fabric to match the owner’s taste. Each pannier holds a 2.7kWh removable battery pack; these can be charged while on the bike, or removed for charging separately. A full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours with a standard AC wall outlet. There’s room in the right-hand pannier for a packed lunch or other road trip essentials.
The Harley-Davidson Model JDs can be ridden on EV power, petrol power, or with both powertrains working in tandem. The rider can change between modes with a simple switch. EV-only range is more than 50 miles, with further range provided by the petrol engine. The engine on the 1921 Model FD was seized beyond repair; now thanks to EV power, it runs again. For the hybrid bikes, the EV motor can be used to start the petrol engine, doing away with the need for the original kick-starter.
Electrogenic’s Harley-Davidson ‘plug and play’ conversion kits are available to order now, with more info available here https://electrogenic.co.uk/product/harley-hybrid-kit/.
Battery-equipped trailer for month long off-grid camping trips
Electrogenic also equipped Momoa’s Schutt Industries XVENTURE XV-2 trailer with integrated battery storage – ideal for off-grid camping excursions.
Fitted with 93kWh of batteries, integrated into the trailer bed, the rugged, off-road trailer can transport bikes and all manner of outdoor gear to a camping location. It also stores enough electricity to power a stove, fridge, sound system and other camping equipment for a month long off-grid excursion, while also enabling you to charge a four-wheel-drive EV while you’re out in the wilderness.
Background: cutting-edge EV technology, developed in Britain
Electrogenic’s conversions – whether bespoke builds or its award-winning range of ‘drop-in’ kits, turn-key electric powertrains for car manufacturers, or a range of Defence applications – feature the firm’s sector-leading, proprietary EV technology.
All Electrogenic powertrains are defined by their quality and depth of engineering, developed in-house by Electrogenic’s research and development team, which comprises automotive engineers, programmers and electrical experts. Electrogenic powertrain solutions reflect its commitment to developing and manufacturing its own technology – giving it a unique level of control and flexibility. These elements include EG-OS, Electrogenic’s proprietary in-house vehicle control software, microprocessor design for driver interface and vehicle body control, as well as digital dashboards.
Electrogenic’s conversions use highly innovative mechanical componentry, including a unique system for creating high-density battery packs, as well as exceptionally compact in-line and transverse reduction gearboxes, which are manufactured by Electrogenic in the UK. The neat packaging solutions ensure that the existing vehicle’s structure and architecture are preserved, with no cutting or drilling required. All Electrogenic conversions are entirely reversible.
Electrogenic’s world-leading bespoke conversions are completed at its Oxford HQ and workshop, while the ‘drop-in’ kit range is offered internationally through a network of partner installers across multiple continents. All drop-in kits drive through single-speed, fixed-ratio transmissions, and feature 6.6kW AC charging and CCS rapid charging for total convenience.
Full details on the Land Rover kit range can be found here and the Harley Davidson kit is available for purchase here
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