As Range Rover aficionados are sitting at the edge of their seats waiting for the vehicle manufacturer’s first fully electric vehicle (EV), the company has revealed more details about the upcoming Range Rover Electric, including a powerful battery.
Specifically, Range Rover Electric prototypes have just successfully completed a second round of testing and development in the sub-zero conditions of the Arctic Circle to demonstrate all-round capability in various temperatures, the company confirmed in a press release published on April 25.
Range Rover Electric characteristics
To achieve this efficiency, the vehicle relies on the advanced new ThermAssistTM technology that reduces hearing energy consumption by up to 40% and allows it to optimize range and preserve charging capability, at the same time maintaining the cabin comfortable in temperatures as low as -10°C.
Furthermore, the high-voltage 800V, 117kWh battery is the first one that experts at JLR designed and built in-house and optimized for energy density, range, and charging times. It comprises 344 prismatic cells in a double-stacked layout, fully encased and smartly packaged.
In terms of challenging icy surfaces, the modern luxury electric SUV uses single-pedal driving capability and switchable, twin-chamber air suspension that supports such low-grip terrains. This also enables the vehicle to make a complete stop and engage Hill Hold, enabling it to move off again without braking.
Range Rover engineers have tested its four-wheel drive capability on both 28‑degree and 17‑degree split mu inclines at the Arctic test facility in Arjeplog, where its Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) technology was able to distribute rear torque from 100% to 0% to prevent loss of traction.
On top of that, traction stability is retained with the help of Integrated Traction Management, controlling motor speed within 50 milliseconds and managing slip up to 100 times quicker than an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle equivalent.
As Matt Becker, the vehicle engineering director at JLR, explained:
“By increasing its torsional stiffness and improving its responses, we’ve been able to maintain a customary Range Rover driving experience that feels familiar.”
Elsewhere, luxury brands continue with their innovations toward an electric future, as Mercedes-Benz has revealed more details and full specifications of the upcoming electric luxury and spacious van range called Vision V, which will include the new VLS and VLE models.
Featured image courtesy of Jaguar/Land Rover website and press release.