For the past few months, the prototypes have been tested in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in temperatures over 50°C (122°F)
The first Range Rover electric SUV finally surfaces without the camouflage in all its glory. It has been subjecting its newest and most intelligent thermal management system to arduous testing at 50°C with up to 90% humidity. The electric luxury SUV will arrive at the dealerships in 2025. Note that the electric iterations of Range Rover Sport and Velar will follow soon thereafter.
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Range Rover Electric SUV
One of the key aspects of the new Range Rover electric SUV will be its new thermal management system. It intelligently controls heat distribution around the vehicle and is put to the ultimate test. The Indian-owned British luxury car marque claims that the EV is undergoing the most intensive testing any Range Rover has ever endured.
Furthermore, its new Intelligent Torque Management system distributes the wheel slip management task directly to each individual electric drive control unit. This reduces the torque reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds to as little as 1 millisecond. As a consequence, it offers improved traction control even on fine sand. In addition, the EV also ascended the natural 300-ft dune formation which is Dubai’s greatest desert hill climb.
Speaking about the EV, the Executive Director and Product Engineer, Thomas Müller, said, “A hot climate is one of the most challenging for any battery electric vehicle, because of the need to cool the cabin and optimise battery performance at the same time. The additional challenge of driving on sand requires controlled low‑speed torque, so our specially developed traction control and thermal management systems work in harmony to ensure power delivery is unaffected. Our tests have shown that in this climate, repeatedly driving the equivalent of 100 metres uphill on fine sand, Range Rover Electric matches the performance of its ICE equivalents; in some instances, even surpassing them – thanks to the introduction of these new features.”
In terms of design, it carries the heritage and DNA of its ICE counterpart. Hence, we see a boxy silhouette with sleek LED DRLs and headlamps at the front, a prominent horizontal slab on the bumper with slim LED fog lamps and a rugged skid plate underneath. On the sides, the massive wheel arches house the elegant 7 dual spokes on the alloy wheels, a creaseless side section and a chunky tail end with an extended rear overhang. It will carry forward the imposing road presence of its ICE kin. Note that the waitlist is already 48,000 long as of October 2024.
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Learn Electric Cars Says
Range Rover might have been a little late to the EV party, but it has a concrete plan to leverage its history, image and experience. In fact, apart from the fresh powertrain, the new-age EVs will carry the known capabilities of rugged SUVs of the past. These will still be ultra-luxurious and adventurous machines. In any case, we shall keep an eye out for more details about the Range Rover EVs.