Range Rover is preparing to launch its first electric vehicle.
The Range Rover electric – yes, that's the name – is being made on the frozen lakes of Sweden, as it moves closer to the showrooms.
Range Rover says it is using a frozen lake to calibrate a new traction control system that manages slippage using individual electric motors instead of each wheel's ABS module.
That means the system can react in just 1 millisecond, instead of the roughly 100 milliseconds it takes to detect a miss. Along with the advancement of safety on slippery roads, this technology has the potential to give off-road riders better off-road capabilities.
The electric drive as well as the battery are all produced by Range Rover in-house. Both are firsts for the JLR group, which has supplied batteries and motors from the outside for previous plug-in hybrid models.
On the outside, the only way to distinguish an EV from a regular Range Rover is by its charging port. Finished in black, the -40 degree weather prototype looks identical to the petrol, diesel and PHEV launched in 2021.
“The electric Range Rover – means the luxury, refinement and performance standard of a Range Rover along with near-silent all-electric propulsion; with smooth and effortless journeys,” said Land Rover product engineering executive Thomas Mueller.
“To ensure we leave no stone unturned, we are well underway with a program of physical testing and development, all designed to push the Range Rover Electric to its maximum to ensure its capabilities remain peerless when it comes to you.”
Order books for the electric Rangie open in late 2023, at which point JLR confirms the car will have an 800V electric architecture and 850mm water wading ability, while also promising an “unique ownership experience.” seamless power,” including power partnerships, over-the-air software updates and “smart technology to maximize range.”
THAN: Everything Range Rover
