Range Rover's Electric SUV Undergoes Extreme Testing

For decades, the Range Rover name has been synonymous with luxury, capability, and an iconic presence on and off the road. Now, Land Rover is ushering in a new era by electrifying its flagship model—unveiling the first Range Rover Electric prototype vehicles.

Unveiling the Prototype

The initial all-black prototypes showcase a modernist design language that stays true to the Range Rover's heritage, with an uncamouflaged exterior underlining the exceptional build quality. These prototypes are already being put through their paces at extreme global testing locations, from Arctic cold to desert heat.

Development and Testing Process 

Before hitting the roads and trails, the Range Rover Electric went through a year-long virtual development process focused on component innovation and computer simulations. Now in the physical testing phase, a key priority is calibrating the all-electric drivetrain for peak performance in severe sub-zero temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C). This cold weather testing on the frozen lakes of Sweden replicates the brutal conditions the production models may face.

Technological Advancements

At the heart of the Range Rover Electric is a newly developed in-house all-electric propulsion system from Land Rover. A particularly innovative feature is the traction control system, which takes a different approach compared to traditional setups. Rather than residing solely in the ABS unit, the wheel slip management is distributed to each individual electric drive control unit. This slashes the torque reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds down to just 1 millisecond.

Land Rover's proprietary software allows for precise electric motor speed control, providing accurate management of wheel slip to maximize traction on various surfaces while reducing the need for ABS intervention. Working seamlessly with the stability control and chassis systems, it delivers exceptional grip with a remarkably refined driving experience.

Performance and Luxury 

While pushing the boundaries of electric capability, the Range Rover Electric stays true to its roots by delivering the luxury and refinement expected from this iconic brand. The electric propulsion enables near-silent operation and smooth, effortless performance.

As Thomas Mueller, Executive Director of Product Engineering, states: "To ensure we leave no stone uncovered, we are well underway with our physical testing and development program, all designed at pushing Range Rover Electric to the extremes to help ensure its capability remains unparalleled when it reaches you."

In essence, with the Range Rover Electric, Land Rover is redefining leadership by combining the ultimate luxury experience with true all-electric capability. By leveraging advanced electric technology alongside their expertise in all-terrain performance, the Range Rover Electric is poised to be the new frontier in the high-end electric SUV market. The future of sustainable luxury mobility looks brighter than ever.