Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a postponement in the release of two crucial electric models due to unexpected consumer interest in its plug-in hybrid vehicles. This decision coincides with the company’s observation of robust demand for its inaugural electric Range Rover following the commencement of orders in December.
Following a commendable performance in third-quarter fiscal sales, JLR disclosed its intention to introduce four new electric vehicles (EVs) within the next two years.
Initially, Land Rover had outlined plans in 2021 to unveil six all-electric vehicles across its Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender lineups by 2026. CEO Adrian Mardell acknowledged during the company’s earnings call that progress had been slower than anticipated compared to projections made three years ago, emphasizing the need for meticulous development to ensure the delivery of top-quality vehicles.
The decision to postpone the introduction of Land Rover’s electric models follows an encouraging reception for its maiden electric Range Rover. With over 16,000 buyers joining the waitlist since order openings in December, JLR describes the vehicle as the “most refined Range Rover ever created,” featuring innovative active road noise cancellation technology for a serene cabin experience.
Promising unparalleled towing, wading, and all-terrain capabilities, the electric Range Rover aims to surpass its luxury electric SUV counterparts, boasting a wading capability of up to 850 mm (33.5″), outstripping competitors like the GMC Hummer EV (32″).
JLR has intensified testing efforts for its electric Range Rover prototypes, subjecting them to the company’s most rigorous evaluation program to date. Subsequently, an all-electric Range Rover Sport is slated to follow, both leveraging the MLA platform utilized for internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants.
Concurrently, the forthcoming two models are anticipated to be smaller and based on the upcoming EMA platform, slated to replace the current platform for the Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport, both earmarked for electric upgrades.
While the potential electrification of the Range Rover Velar remains unconfirmed by JLR, expectations persist for an electric Defender following the company’s announcement of its production at the Slovakian plant in October.
Jaguar, scheduled for a relaunch next year, is set to unveil its initial electric model, a four-door GT priced at over $126,000 (100,000 pounds), with plans for a subsequent electric offering.
Mardell indicated that the smaller EMA EVs would debut a year subsequent to the two electric Range Rovers, with Jaguar’s electric models to follow suit.
