—Monali Sarkar
With the Range Rover Electric, JLR’s first reimagined modern luxury electric vehicle (EV), slated to become available for pre-order in early 2025, its first vehicle prototypes are undergoing the most intensive testing any Range Rover has ever endured in some of the world’s most unforgiving climates — from ‑40°C in the Arctic Circle to +50°C in the searing deserts of the Middle East.
“Testing on the frozen lakes of Sweden has demonstrated Range Rover’s new‑in house all‑electric propulsion system, which will allow Range Rover to exceed its already renowned performance on low‑grip surfaces, ensuring the all‑terrain, all‑weather and all‑surface capability of the Range Rover remains unparallelled,” the company said.
This testing focused on the capability of the battery and Electric Drive Unit (EDU) — effectively the vehicle’s core components, including the transmission, electric motor and power electronics — in extreme sub‑zero temperatures as low as –40°C. Both the battery and EDU are assembled in house by JLR in a first for the brand.
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The vehicle was put through what JLR calls “a searing desert assessment” in the heart of Sharjah’s Al Badayer desert, where the ‘Big Red’ stands tall amongst saffron‑coloured dunes. The natural 300ft dune formation is Dubai’s greatest desert hill climb. The company noted, “Range Rover is subjecting its newest and most intelligent thermal management system to arduous testing in merciless temperatures of 50°C and up to 90% humidity. In a testing environment that all Range Rovers are subjected to, there is no place more challenging for a climate system. From dynamic desert climbs to sun‑soaked city cycles, nothing is left unexplored in pursuit of maximum client cabin comfort and vehicle capability.”
The company added, “All Range Rover vehicles are subjected to completing the ascent five times without showing any reduction in performance before proceeding to the next testing stage. Range Rover Electric completed the feat with flying colours.”
“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,” says Thomas Mueller, Executive Director, Product Engineering, JLR. “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.”
The waiting list for Range Rover Electric opened in December 2023, gaining 13,000 signatures in the first 28 days of going live, marking a milestone in JLR’s electrification journey. The vehicle, which will be built at the company’s Solihull facility in the UK, will begin deliveries later this year.
Click through the slideshow below to see more of the Range Rover Electric in action.