EVinfo.net

Driving electric vehicle adoption

The Exciting Electric Range Rover is Coming Soon

Since Range Rover first announced its all-electric model, great excitement has been building for its release. In December 2023, Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc (JLR) announced the anticipated release of the first fully electric Range Rover, highlighting that it is expected to be the quietest and most refined model in the Range Rover lineup. JLR opened the US waiting list for this innovative electric vehicle in December.

This new Range Rover Electric is expected to feature more patents than any previous model, emphasizing its innovative design and technology. Prototypes are currently undergoing one of the most rigorous engineering validation programs ever conducted by the company, testing the vehicle across extreme temperatures, various conditions, and all terrains, including wading through up to 850mm of water.

(Image: JLR)

The Range Rover Electric is designed to offer serene modern luxury, thanks to its electric powertrain, which contributes to exceptional cabin comfort. It will also feature advanced technologies such as unique active road noise cancellation and a bespoke sound design, ensuring a peaceful driving experience.

The vehicle will be built on an 800V architecture, enabling rapid charging on public networks, and is designed to provide a seamless electric ownership experience with effortless charging, energy partnerships, software-over-the-air updates, and intelligent technology to maximize range. The vehicle will be manufactured on the flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture at JLR’s Solihull plant in the UK, alongside the current mild and extended-range plug-in hybrid Range Rover models. A new £70 million underbody facility has been opened at the plant to support this production.

Additionally, the batteries and electric drive units (EDUs) for the Range Rover Electric will be assembled at JLR’s new Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK.

In December, Geraldine Ingham, Managing Director, Range Rover, said: “Since going on sale in 2021 the latest generation Range Rover has set a new benchmark for desirability. Across the globe, we’re seeing the highest levels of client demand in our 53‑year history. Because of this unprecedented success story, we’re now opening the official waiting list for the opportunity to be among the first to place a pre‑order for the most anticipated Range Rover of recent times. Marking a new era for the Range Rover brand: the original luxury SUV is now available as an all‑electric model.”

The First Range Rover Electric Prototype Vehicles Tested on the Arctic Circle and the Searing Deserts of the Middle East

In April 2024, JLR announced the first Range Rover Electric prototype vehicles were undergoing rigorous global testing as part of their development process. These vehicles have been subjected to extreme conditions, including cold temperature calibration in the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can plunge to -40°C. This testing phase follows a year-long component and virtual development process.

The Range Rover Electric is set to redefine electric propulsion capability, offering unparalleled refinement and luxury travel. The prototypes are being tested in some of the world’s most challenging environments, from the freezing conditions of the Arctic Circle to the scorching deserts of the Middle East, where temperatures can reach +50°C. This extensive testing is designed to validate the vehicle’s performance across a wide range of conditions, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and reliability expected from a Range Rover.

(Image: JLR)

A Strong Commitment to Sustainability

LR said: “The world around us is evolving, and so are Land Rover vehicles. By driving electric you will be helping reduce carbon emissions and your carbon footprint. To help achieve our goals, we are putting electric at the heart of our SUVs and our strategic plans. But our ambitions don’t end there. Explore the ways we are reimagining luxury and how you can make a difference today when driving electric.”

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across its entire business by 2039, a goal that extends beyond the production of electric and hybrid vehicles to encompass all aspects of its operations. This ambitious journey to zero emissions includes efforts to decarbonize the supply chain, optimize manufacturing processes, and implement sustainable practices throughout the company.

One of the significant steps JLR is working toward is the use of 100 percent renewable, zero-carbon electricity at all of its UK manufacturing sites. This transition to green energy is part of a broader strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of JLR’s manufacturing network.

By focusing on reducing emissions across every facet of its operations—from supply chain management to the energy used in manufacturing—JLR aims to lead the automotive industry toward a more sustainable future, aligning its business practices with the growing global emphasis on environmental responsibility.

(Image: JLR)

JLR Delivers Strong Financial Results With Record Revenues for the Year Ending March 2024

In May 2024, JLR reported record-breaking sales for the Range Rover in Q4 and FY24, reflecting the growing demand for luxury vehicles and the strong market presence of the Range Rover brand. The introduction of the Range Rover Electric has generated significant interest, with over 28,700 sign-ups to the waiting list since it opened in December 2023. Additionally, demand for the Range Rover SV has more than doubled, reaching 4,099 units in FY24. Notably, the exclusive Range Rover SV Bespoke Sadaf editions, priced at around £330,000 each, have sold out, highlighting the strong appeal of JLR’s luxury offerings.

Enterprise Developments

The installation of a new battery conveyor system at the Solihull, UK facility for the Range Rover Electric is nearing completion. A new additional body shop dedicated to the Range Rover is now fully operational.

The development of the all-electric Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) production facility at Halewood, UK, is progressing, with 300 robots and new assembly lines installed in the new body shop.

JLR has invested £356 million in the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, to install equipment for manufacturing battery packs and electric drive units.

The company created 950 new electrification jobs in FY24, reflecting its commitment to expanding its electric vehicle (EV) capabilities.

JLR has also launched three new insurance products as part of its financial services offering to support its UK clients, enhancing the overall ownership experience.

These developments underline JLR’s commitment to electrification, innovation, and providing a comprehensive range of services to its customers.