The Land Rover Range_e development model was revealed at this week’s Geneva Motor Show amid great fanfare as it offers a glimpse into the proposed Land Rover production models of the future.
Expecting to launch a diesel-electric hybrid in 2013, Land Rover has released the Range_e based on the Range Rover Sport with a 245PS, 3.0litre TDV6 engine as well as an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a 69kW electric motor. It has a parallel hybrid system with a 14.2kW/h lithium-ion battery and can be recharged using a 240V power source.
It can travel on electric power alone for around 20miles and has a maximum speed of 120mph with fuel economy at 85mpg. Its CO2 emissions are a meagre 89g/km and it can achieve around 690miles on a full tank of fuel.
The vehicle boasts four-wheel-drive capabilities with high and low range in the transmission, front and rear differentials and a mechanical locking centre differential. The car’s intelligent system decides on the most efficient method to deliver the power required – either electric, diesel or both. It also includes regenerative braking and captures the energy that would usually be lost in heat energy via the brakes to be redeployed to drive the vehicle.
According to John Edwards, the Land Rover global brand director, the system is the first example of a premium plug-in hybrid with full four-wheel drive and is an evolution of the product intent diesel electric hybrid technology planned for the next generation of SUVs.
