Range Rover Electric: First look at first-ever EV

Range Rover is gearing up to reveal its first electric car.

The Range Rover Electric – yes, that’s the name – is being put through its paces on the frozen lakes of Sweden, as it edges closer to showrooms.

Range Rover says it’s using the frozen lake to calibrate a new traction control system which manages slip using the individual electric motors, rather than each wheel’s ABS module.

That means the system can react in just 1 millisecond, rather than around 100 milliseconds, when slip is detected. Along with safer progress on slippery roads, the technology has the potential to make for a more capable off-roader.

The electric drive unit is built in-house by Range Rover, as is the battery. They’re both firsts for the JLR group, which has externally sourced its batteries and motors for plug-in hybrids previously.

Externally, the only way to differentiate the EV from a regular Range Rover appears to be by its battery charging port. Finished in black, the prototype testing in -40 degree weather looks identical to the petrol, diesel, and PHEV revealed in 2021.

“Range Rover with electric power – means customary Range Rover luxury, refinement and capability plus near-silent fully electric propulsion; with effortlessly smooth and relaxed journeys,” executive director of product engineering at Land Rover, Thomas Mueller, said.

“To ensure we leave no stone uncovered, we are well underway with our physical testing and development programme, all designed at pushing Range Rover Electric to the extremes to ensure its capability remains unparalleled when it reaches you.”

Order books for the electric Rangie opened at the end of 2023, at which point JLR confirmed the car will feature an 800V electrical architecture and an 850mm wading depth, and promised a “seamless electric ownership experience”, including energy partnerships, over-the-air software updates, and “intelligent technology to maximise range”.

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