Range Rover Electric will lead the way for electric propulsion capability, refinement and luxury travel, with the first vehicle prototypes now deployed at some of the world’s most challenging test locations. The all-electric drivetrain is now being put through its paces at extremes of temperatures, from -40°C in the Arctic Circle, to +50°C in the searing deserts of the Middle East.

The first tests have 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.

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. 

In a first for Range Rover, a new traction control system delivers exceptional levels of performance on icy or low-grip surfaces. Rather than a traditional traction control setup based solely in the ABS unit, Range Rover Electric distributes the wheel slip management task directly to each individual electric drive control unit, reducing the torque reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds, to as little as 1 millisecond.

Innovative software, developed in house by JLR, enables precise EDU speed control for accurate management of wheel slip, reducing the need for ABS intervention. Traction is maximised on all surfaces with exceptional response and composed refinement, significantly enhancing the Range Rover drive experience. This system works in harmony with the stability control and chassis systems to provide an even more overall refined drive.

Thomas Mueller, Executive Director, Product Engineering, said: “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.

“To ensure we leave no stone uncovered, we are well underway with our physical testing and development programme, all designed to push Range Rover Electric to the extremes to ensure its capability remains unparalleled when it reaches you.”