Range Rover has launched its first electric model, a year later than was first anticipated, following a setback the company had said was due to waning consumer interest for EVs.
In the U.S., the Range Rover EV550 First Edition is offered at a $179,150 starting price, including a $2,450 destination charge. First Edition versions are due soon, with a lower-priced version due eventually.
This model will be built at Solihull, the model’s home since its launch in 1970. The arrival of the Range Rover Electric follows JLR’s EV investment and have included upskilling the plant’s 9,000 manufacturing employees, the company said in its Sept. 2 release.
The Range Rover Electric employs two JLR-made, 260-kW motors providing a power output up to 542 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, with a driving range of up to 372 miles on the European WLTP rating.
An in-house-built, double-stacked 118.5-kWh battery pack runs at 800-volts, but can be split into two 400V packs in parallel for charging, offering a claimed DC fast-charging time from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes or the potential to add 137 miles range in 10 minutes.
The model claims “revolutionary” traction management able to respond in as little as 50 milliseconds, some 100 times faster than the gasoline equivalent, per the automaker. JLR claims the technology works on any surface or terrain and includes water wading capabilities in depths up to 35.4 inches.
The automaker said its testing regime has been the most rigorous of any Range Rover and saw the model drive the equivalent of 38 times around the world, with more than 250,000 hours of virtual tests completed.
Single‑pedal driving technology allows the Range Rover Electric to climb slopes up to 45 degrees, while a lower center of gravity and twin‑chamber air suspension helps to improve driving dynamics.
Initial launch markets for the models includes the U.K., Europe and the U.S. where the model will include the North American Charging Standard charging port and customers will be able to access the Tesla Supercharger network.
“Range Rover Electric is the result of a decade of considered engineering and technological development, setting a new benchmark for the Original Luxury SUV,” said Range Rover’s managing director, Martin Limpert.
