Land Rover began development of the new model in the virtual world and has since begun testing a number of physical prototypes around the world, from the cold of Sweden to the sweltering conditions of Dubai. The brand is rigorously testing and evaluating the robustness of the electric drive system, battery and chassis integrity, as well as conducting vehicle dynamics testing for thermal derating.
The Range Rover Electric will deliver performance comparable to that of a flagship Range Rover V8, while also boasting towing, wading and off-road technology to " surpass any other luxury electric SUV," according to the automaker. Those who put their names on the waiting list will be among the first to have the opportunity to pre-order.
Underpinning the Range Rover Electric will be Jaguar Land Rover’s flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture. It will be designed, engineered, and built in the UK alongside the current mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Additionally, the batteries and electric drive units will be built and assembled at the marque’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Center in Wolverhampton.
The Range Rover Electric will also have an 800-volt electric architecture, allowing for rapid charging, be able to wade through up to 850 mm (33.4 inches) of water, and support software over-the-air updates.
“We are on target to create the quietest and most refined Range Rover ever created,” JLR product engineering executive director Thomas Müller described. “The magic ingredients that underpin the success of Range Rover remain unchanged: timeless, reductionist design, a serene cabin and go-anywhere capability – but now offered with zero tailpipe emissions. And as repeated throughout history, the Range Rover will continue to set the standard. The first of its type. An electric luxury SUV that can deliver on the Range Rover promise. A true global luxury product, as yet unseen in the industry.”
Source: Land Rover