As Range Rover gears up for the imminent launch of its inaugural electric vehicle (EV), anticipation is reaching new heights with more than 16,000 potential buyers already on the waitlist, according to the company. The British automaker provided a sneak peek of the highly awaited EV in December when it began accepting orders.
Positioned as the “quietest and most refined Range Rover ever created,” the upcoming electric Range Rover builds upon the design and capabilities of its gas-powered counterpart. Retaining its iconic British design and off-road prowess, the EV aims to surpass its luxury electric SUV counterparts in towing, wading, and all-terrain capabilities.
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The electric Range Rover preserves classic elements, including an upscale cabin, minimalist design, and off-road functionalities, while eliminating emissions. Range Rover conducted extensive testing, subjecting the new model to rigorous programs encompassing extreme temperatures, diverse driving conditions, and various terrains, including wading through up to 850 mm (33″) of water.
With an 800V architecture, the electric Range Rover will feature fast-charging capabilities. Production of the EV will take place at Range Rover’s Solihull factory in the UK, sharing space with the mild and extended-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Range Rover. The batteries and electric drive units will be assembled at JLR’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing plant in Wolverhampton, UK.
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Since the opening of orders in December, Range Rover reports “strong interest” in its first electric offering. The company continues to conduct road tests with electric prototypes and is concurrently developing a medium-sized electric SUV, along with new Jaguar prototypes.
Under the Reimagine strategy, implemented as part of a new corporate identity, JLR has delineated distinct sub-brands, including Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar. While Jaguar is set to transition entirely to electric vehicles, the other three brands, including Range Rover, are slated to introduce electric models by 2030.
