Range Rover Electric Nears Launch After Extreme Winter Testing

Author: |

The Range Rover Electric is steadily progressing toward its official debut, as Land Rover recently confirmed that prototypes have successfully wrapped up their second winter testing phase in northern Europe. During this crucial stage, the prototypes covered a combined total of 45,000 miles, testing a wide array of systems under extreme cold conditions to ensure they perform flawlessly in the harshest environments. A major part of this testing centered on the SUV’s innovative thermal management system, called ThermAssist. This system is engineered to optimize energy usage by reducing the energy needed for heating by up to 40%. Additionally, ThermAssist is designed to capture and reuse heat to warm both the propulsion system and the cabin, even in frigid temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). By doing so, the system not only improves passenger comfort but also plays a critical role in extending the vehicle’s driving range and overall energy efficiency.

Range Rover

Beyond thermal management, Land Rover’s engineers also focused on fine-tuning the air suspension system and perfecting the SUV’s one-pedal driving feature. One-pedal driving, commonly seen in electric vehicles, allows drivers to slow the car simply by lifting off the accelerator, thanks to regenerative braking. What makes Land Rover’s implementation unique is its integration with the Terrain Response system, making the feature suitable for off-road adventures as well as city driving.

Another milestone for the upcoming Range Rover Electric is the debut of the company’s first in-house developed battery. The SUV will be powered by a 117 kWh battery pack, constructed using 344 prismatic cells arranged in a double-stacked configuration. Land Rover has optimized this battery for high energy density, strong range capabilities, and faster charging times, all while ensuring it meets the brand’s hallmark standards of smooth, effortless performance and luxurious refinement.

Range Rover Electric

The new electric Range Rover also features an advanced all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics. This system can instantly adjust rear torque distribution from 100% to 0% to avoid any loss of traction. Impressively, it can detect and react to changes in grip within just 50 milliseconds — up to 100 times faster than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

According to JLR Vehicle Engineering Director Matt Becker, the Range Rover Electric retains the familiar driving characteristics of the iconic model, thanks to enhancements in torsional stiffness and responsiveness, achieved by blending classic Range Rover traits with cutting-edge technology.

While full specifications are still under wraps, reports from Top Gear suggest the model will boast a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing a combined 542 horsepower and 849 Nm of torque. If these figures are accurate, the electric version will actually outperform the current P530 variant, which uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine generating 523 hp and 749 Nm of torque.

What do you think?