By Neha Mehrotra
In a landmark moment for the automotive industry, Range Rover, a name synonymous with luxury and innovation, takes a giant leap into the future with the unveiling of its highly anticipated Range Rover Electric. The prestigious brand opens the doors to a new era by inviting enthusiasts to join the waitlist for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the world of electric vehicles.
Setting the stage for this monumental shift, the vehicle is a testament to Range Rover’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining modern luxury. As the automotive landscape evolves towards sustainability, Range Rover Electric has emerged as a beacon of innovation, symbolising the seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology with the iconic design philosophy that has characterised Range Rover for over five decades.
Engineering Excellence
The waitlist opening is an opportunity to be part of a pivotal moment as the original luxury SUV transforms into an all-electric marvel. Prototypes of the Range Rover Electric are undergoing rigorous testing, marking one of the most extensive engineering sign-off programmes in Range Rover’s history. Retaining its distinctive British design, the Range Rover Electric is set to offer unparalleled go-anywhere capability, ensuring towing, wading, and all-terrain technology that surpasses any other luxury electric SUV. To ensure this, engineers are ensuring capabilities that span extreme temperatures, all conditions, and terrains, including wading through water up to an impressive depth of 850 mm.
The first physical vehicles have been built after a year of virtual development, covering everything from front-end strength, multi-body systems analysis that considers the demand on the chassis, and virtual wading up to 50 km/h. The vehicles are being tested globally, from freezing Sweden to scorching Dubai, ranging from -40 °C to +50 °C. The global physical testing programme ensures the robustness of the electric drive system, including its underfloor, battery durability, chassis integrity, and vehicle dynamics tests for thermal derating.
A Seamless Ownership Experience
With an active road noise cancellation configuration, a finely tuned sound design, and an elevated level of cabin comfort, the Range Rover Electric promises an unparalleled and serene driving experience. Additionally, the Range Rover Electric will feature an 800 V architecture, enabling rapid charging on public networks. You can anticipate a seamless ownership experience, featuring effortless charging, strategic energy partnerships, software-over-the-air updates, and intelligent technology that maximises the vehicle’s overall range and efficiency.
A Sneak Peek at the Design
Range Rover Electric promises to deliver a performance comparable to a flagship Range Rover V8 and the all-terrain capability developed in-house by Land Rover experts that has been a hallmark since Range Rover’s inception in 1970. The design seamlessly blends modernity with the iconic Range Rover aesthetic. With subtle cues hinting at its all-electric drive, the vehicle promises to be a visual marvel that embodies the brand’s commitment to timeless and distinctive British design.
The new Range Rover Electric will be designed, engineered, and built in the United Kingdom using the flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) in Solihull, alongside existing mild and plug-in hybrid Range Rover vehicles. Batteries and electric drive units (EDUs) will be assembled at JLR’s new Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. This move aligns with Range Rover’s ambitious 2039 net-zero carbon goal, showcasing their dedication to a greener and cleaner automotive future.
