Range Rover has officially entered the battery-electric era with the launch of the first-ever Range Rover Electric, combining up to 550PS, 850Nm of torque, a claimed WLTP range of up to 372 miles (598 km) and the sort of off-road capability traditionally associated with its combustion-powered models.
Built at JLR’s Solihull facility in the UK, where Range Rover production has been based since 1970, the new model is now available to order in the UK from £154,070 on-the-road (INR 1.97 crore).
Range Rover says the electric model has been developed according to the principle of being a “Range Rover first and Electric second”, retaining the familiar design and all-terrain credentials while introducing a new battery-electric powertrain, aerodynamic changes and advanced traction-management technology.
Twin-Motor Powertrain Produces Up to 550PS
Range Rover Electric uses two permanent-magnet electric motors, each rated at 260kW, producing up to 550PS and 850Nm of torque.
The company claims a 0-60mph acceleration time of as little as 4.3 seconds, while acceleration from 50-75mph can take as little as 2.7 seconds.
That puts the electric model firmly into V8 performance territory, although considerably less combustion is involved in the proceedings.
Range Rover says the electric motors generate 20 per cent more torque than other motors of the same size and use silicon-carbide semiconductors designed to improve switching speed, efficiency and performance.
The SUV offers a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 372 miles, while Range Rover estimates a real-world range of up to 333 miles, or 535km.
“Range Rover Electric is the result of a decade of considered engineering and technological development, setting a new benchmark for The Original Luxury SUV. Electric propulsion is perfectly suited to the exquisite refinement of Range Rover, elevating the sense of calm and secluded sanctuary for occupants.
“At the same time, Range Rover breadth of capability is uncompromised thanks to the combination of a powerful, adaptable electric powertrain and advanced chassis technologies that make every Range Rover peerless, accomplished and desired. We took our testing and development programmes even further than originally intended to ensure Range Rover Electric is genuinely the most accomplished Range Rover ever.”
Martin Limpert, Managing Director, Range Rover
118.5kWh Battery and 22-Minute Fast Charging
Power comes from a usable 118.5kWh lithium-ion double-stacked battery consisting of 344 prismatic cells.
The battery operates on an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports split-charging technology.
Using a compatible 350kW DC rapid charger, Range Rover says the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in around 22 minutes when operating at its maximum charging rate.
The company also claims that approximately 137 miles, or 220km, of WLTP range can be added in 10 minutes.
Range Rover Electric owners will also be able to schedule home charging through the new Range Rover App, potentially allowing them to take advantage of lower electricity tariffs.
The app can additionally show charging status and predicted driving range, check whether the vehicle is locked, display its location and remotely operate functions including cabin purification and the heated steering wheel.
Range Rover says customers in the UK and Europe will have access to more than one million public charging points.
In North America, the vehicle will feature built-in NACS compatibility, providing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
An optional Range Rover home charger will also be offered.
900mm Wading Depth Retained
Electrification has not persuaded Range Rover to retire its wellies.
The electric SUV is designed to wade through water up to 900mm deep, while a new Integrated Traction Management system can control motor speed within 50 milliseconds.
According to Range Rover, this makes the system capable of managing wheel slip up to 100 times faster than an equivalent internal-combustion-engine vehicle.
Intelligent Driveline Dynamics can distribute rear torque between 100 per cent and zero depending on available traction.
A new Single Pedal driving mode is designed to give drivers additional control when travelling off-road.
Range Rover says the system can allow the SUV to pull away on slopes of up to 33 degrees and complete a rolling ascent on gradients of up to 45 degrees.
The lower centre of gravity associated with the battery installation and a twin-chamber air-suspension system are also intended to improve vehicle dynamics.
“The defining characteristic of Range Rover Electric is its ability to perform across every surface, with effortless comfort and refinement. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure it retains those qualities. From challenging low-grip and rough terrain to smooth, high-speed roads, it remains incredibly composed and refined, with a real sense of control and confidence. The responsiveness and precision of the new driveline control systems, enabled by electric propulsion, perfectly support this. We’re very proud of the result.”
Matt Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director, JLR
More Than 1.5 Million Kilometres of Testing
Range Rover says the electric SUV has completed more than 1.5 million kilometres of physical testing, equivalent to travelling around the world approximately 38 times.
Testing environments included temperatures as low as -40°C in Arjeplog, Sweden, hot-weather conditions in the Dubai desert and off-road development work at JLR’s Eastnor Castle facility in the UK.
More than 250,000 hours of virtual testing were also undertaken, which the company says exceeds the programme conducted for any previous Range Rover.
One of the new technologies developed for the vehicle is the ThermAssist heat-management system.
Range Rover says ThermAssist helps optimise driving range, charging speeds, battery durability and performance in extreme temperatures.
The company claims the system can add as much as 25 miles of range and reduce heating energy consumption by 40 per cent.
More than 300 patent applications relating to Range Rover Electric have been filed, which JLR says makes it potentially the most patented Range Rover in the brand’s history.
Battery Tested From -40°C to 90°C
JLR’s battery-testing laboratory subjects battery systems to multi-axis vibration, impact and temperature tests ranging from -40°C to 90°C.
The battery pack is housed inside a high-strength aluminium enclosure, while Range Rover says its safety systems have been engineered to exceed industry standards.
Each Range Rover Electric will also include what the company describes as a Battery Digital Twin.
The system provides more than 900 diagnostic data points and works alongside JLR’s Software Over The Air capability to support vehicle monitoring and maintenance.
The electric propulsion system is covered by an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
Familiar Range Rover Design, With Aerodynamic Changes
Visually, Range Rover Electric retains the basic proportions and design language of the existing luxury SUV.
The most visible changes have largely been driven by aerodynamics rather than dramatic EV styling.
These include an aerodynamically optimised grille, wheel designs and a revised underbody intended to reduce resistance and improve motorway efficiency.
The electric model continues to be offered in short- and long-wheelbase body configurations.
Customers can choose SE, HSE and Autobiography specifications, along with SV, SV Ultra and SV Black versions.
A First Edition is also being offered in Belgravia Green, Santorini Black or Varesine Blue, with a newly introduced Light Cloud Ultrafabrics PU and Kvadrat interior.
Customers wanting greater personalisation can use the Range Rover Bespoke commissioning service for additional paint colours, finishes, materials, colour combinations and details including customised embroidery.
Solihull Plant Reworked for Electric Production
Production of Range Rover Electric has required significant changes at JLR’s Solihull manufacturing operation.
The company says 9,000 manufacturing employees at Solihull have been upskilled for electrification, while another 1,500 employees have received training across JLR’s wider West Midlands operations.
“Range Rover Electric production at Solihull brings together more than five decades of Range Rover manufacturing expertise with the latest electrification and advanced manufacturing technology.
“Range Rover creates significant value across the UK and Europe. Its production in Solihull supports thousands of businesses, with more than two-thirds of supplier spend directed to UK and European suppliers.”
Nigel Blenkinsop, Chief Operations Officer, JLR
JLR’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton will supply battery packs and electric drive units for the vehicle while continuing to produce internal-combustion engines.
The company describes the facility as the UK’s largest combined internal-combustion-engine and electric-powertrain production site.
The first phase of its redevelopment covers 40,000 square metres and required more than two million hours of planning, engineering, construction and commissioning over four years.
Thirteen battery and electric-drive-unit manufacturing lines have been installed, supported by nine kilometres of conveyors and 182 kilometres of power and data cabling.
AI-enabled scanning cameras are used during electric-drive-unit manufacturing to inspect components, while individual battery cells are performance-tested before assembly.
Completed battery packs are then checked again before installation into vehicles at Solihull.
A Key Step in JLR’s Multi-Powertrain Strategy
Range Rover Electric is being produced on the same flexible vehicle architecture that supports the brand’s internal-combustion, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
That approach allows JLR to continue offering different propulsion technologies while gradually expanding its electric portfolio.
The first fully electric Range Rover therefore represents more than a new powertrain option. It is also a test of whether one of the world’s best-known luxury SUV formulas can make the transition to battery power without surrendering the qualities that built its reputation in the first place.
With 550PS, rapid charging, substantial claimed range and a 900mm wading depth, Range Rover appears determined to ensure that going electric does not mean avoiding the muddy route home.
