You might think it’s just another Range Rover conquering the desert, but look closer. This is Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) second all-electric model, the Range Rover Electric, undergoing rigorous testing in the scorching sands of the United Arab Emirates.
Visually, the electric Range Rover is nearly identical to its combustion-engine counterpart. You’ll need a keen eye to spot the subtle differences: a blocked-off front grille, a redesigned charging port flap, and aerodynamic-focused alloy wheels.
While JLR has yet to release detailed powertrain specifications, we know the Range Rover Electric will be built on an 800V architecture. The company claims it will offer performance similar to the flagship V8 models.
For context, the Range Rover SV sports a 4.4-litre V8 producing 615 hp and 750 Nm in the P615 configuration. It’s likely the electric version will feature at least a dual-motor setup, or possibly even a quad-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
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Why is JLR testing the electric Range Rover in the desert? The scorching heat provides the perfect backdrop to evaluate the vehicle’s thermal management system. JLR claims this system is the most advanced yet, which is crucial because EVs often underperform in high temperatures.
But the testing goes beyond just thermal management. Engineers are pushing the prototype to its limits in the sand dunes, evaluating its all-terrain capabilities. With a well-balanced weight distribution and an advanced suspension system, the Range Rover Electric maintains effortless control and stability in harsh terrain, according to the company.
Engineers are also testing the new Intelligent Torque Management system, which reduces torque reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds to as little as 1 millisecond. This system provides exceptional traction on loose surfaces like sand and enhances the SUV off-road capabilities.
JLR also says the Range Rover Electric will boast an 850 mm water-wading capability, impressive in its own right, although just shy of the 900 mm depth of the standard Range Rover, including the hybrids.
With client reservations commencing in 2025, the Range Rover Electric marks a new chapter for the iconic off-road SUV brand. We eagerly await its global debut and the exciting details it will reveal!
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