Range Rover Electric Undergoes Extreme Testing in Sweden
Land Rover is preparing to unveil its first electric vehicle, the aptly named Range Rover Electric. Currently undergoing rigorous testing on the frozen lakes of Sweden, the prototype sports a striking similarity to its petrol, diesel, and PHEV counterparts. The sole visible difference lies in its battery charging port, finished in black.
Under the hood, the Range Rover Electric boasts an in-house-built electric drive unit and battery, a first for the JLR group. This move demonstrates Land Rover’s commitment to developing its own electric vehicle technology.
One of the key features of the Range Rover Electric is its innovative traction control system, which utilizes individual electric motors to manage slip. This system boasts a remarkable reaction time of just 1 millisecond, a significant improvement over the approximately 100 milliseconds of traditional ABS modules. This enhanced responsiveness translates to safer driving on slippery surfaces and improved off-road capabilities.
According to Thomas Mueller, Executive Director of Product Engineering at Land Rover, the Range Rover with electric power delivers the customary luxury, refinement, and capability while introducing near-silent fully electric propulsion. He emphasizes the rigorous testing and development program designed to push the Range Rover Electric to its limits, ensuring unparalleled performance when it reaches customers.
Order books for the electric Range Rover opened in late 2023. The car will feature an 800V electrical architecture and an 850mm wading depth, promising a seamless electric ownership experience. JLR aims to provide energy partnerships, over-the-air software updates, and intelligent technology to maximize range.