Range Rover Electric prototype testing gets underway
A few months ago, JLR (recently known as Jaguar Land Rover) went through not only a name change but also an identity change, which will also see the brand’s manufacturing facilities upgraded for the production of electric cars.
The new identity also brought with it a new ELR platform that underpins the electric Range Rover and the electric SUV from Jaguar, as well as the 4-door GT model.
By 2030, the JLR brand aims to be a fully electric marque. On the Range Rover side, the British luxury carmaker has since teased its fully electric Range Rover model, which is set to join the range sometime in 2024.
Not only that, the brand says it’s accepting early preorders even before the full debut, and just in case you are wondering, the Range Rover Electric will deliver performance comparable to the brutal V8 Range Rover variant while also retaining its plushness and capable off-road prowess that have always been highly associated with the brand. So says JLR, at least.
There’s still very little information available at this stage, but physical prototypes of the zero-emission Range Rover are currently underway as engineers push to build the quietest and most refined model ever, courtesy of its unique road noise cancellation configuration, sound design, and level of cabin comfort.
Also, RR Electric will have an 800-volt architecture that will allow for rapid charging on public chargers. It will also boast a wading depth of up to 850mm, nearly matching the Defender 110’s capability. As for the testing itself, it saw the prototypes travel from Dubai to Sweden through temperatures ranging from -40 to +50°C to ensure the robustness of the electric drive system.
The new Range Rover Electric will be designed and built in the UK alongside the existing mild and plug-in hybrid versions.
As we applaud JLR’s bold stride into the future, we also celebrate its steadfastness in keeping the brand’s tradition alive, and the Range Rover Electric will exist to drive the brand towards a more sustainable future while not forgetting the journey that brought us here.
