Electric vehicle prototype can withstand temperatures from –40°C (-40°F) in the Arctic Circle to +50°C (122°F) in the deserts of the Middle East
November 29, 2024 06:49
- The Range Rover Electric looks almost identical to its mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid counterparts.
- It comes with an “Intelligent Torque Management” system that significantly reduces wheel slip.
- Jaguar Land Rover will assemble its own electric motors and battery packs for the Range Rover EV.
11/28 Update: Land Rover has revealed an uncamouflaged Range Rover electric prototype during desert testing, following earlier testing in icy conditions.
Unlike most automakers that usually release cryptic teasers or show off camouflaged prototypes, Land Rover surprised us by showing off an uncamouflaged prototype of its Range Rover EV. Following cold-weather testing in the Arctic Circle, the company completed hot-weather testing in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the electric vehicle’s ability to adapt to extreme conditions.
The prototypes look almost identical to the ICE-powered Range Rover due in 2022. The only exception is the grille, which appears to be a temporary component. This will likely be replaced by a uniquely designed grille on the production version, which is expected to go on sale in 2025.
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The Range Rover Electric will be Jaguar Land Rover’s second all-electric production model after the Jaguar I-Pace. Our aim is to bring electric vehicles to a level that matches the performance and iconic off-road credentials of an internal combustion engine Range Rover, which is why the new powertrain has been tested in different types of terrain and weather conditions.
Pre-production prototypes of the SUV have been exposed to temperatures ranging from –40°C (-40°F) in frozen lakes in the Arctic Circle to +50°C (122°F) in the deserts of the Middle East, ensuring the durability and consistent performance of an all-electric base , while testing the limits of its thermal management system.
The teaser highlights an “Intelligent Torque Management” system, which has a separate electric drive control unit to manage slip at each wheel. Thanks to Jaguar Land Rover’s “innovative software”, the new system is significantly faster than conventional ABS-based setups, reducing torque reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds to 1 millisecond.
Land Rover says that combined with stability control and chassis systems, the new setup will maximize traction on all road surfaces and “significantly” enhance the Range Rover driving experience. The EV will also have “balanced weight distribution” and an “advanced suspension system” to aid its off-road credentials.
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The new model will feature a modular vertical architecture. The company hasn’t revealed any information about the electric powertrain’s power output or battery capacity. However, officials have confirmed that the Range Rover electric vehicle will use an 800-volt architecture and provide V8-level performance.
The company also promises that the Range Rover Electric will surpass any other luxury electric SUV in terms of towing, water fording and all-terrain capabilities.
Production of the Range Rover EV will take place in the UK, alongside mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. According to Autocar, the company will initially use battery packs from other suppliers before switching to ones assembled in-house.
While we don’t have a debut date yet, Land Rover has been waiting for the electric car to go on sale since late 2023 and says it will welcome customer pre-orders in 2025.
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