As Range Rover transitions into its electric era, it faces a familiar challenge: how do you modernize without losing the soul that made you iconic in the first place? For Range Rover, that soul is about more than prestige, it’s about imperious ride quality, refined design, a quiet trust and confidence in going where few vehicles dare. Range Rover has gone beyond normal in extending its legacy with the new upcoming Range Rover Electric.
Arctic Circle testing
In the icy extremes of the Arctic Circle, the Range Rover Electric prototype is being pushed to its limits, a grueling test of endurance, engineering, and refinement.
Sub-Zero Stress Test
Over 45,000 miles of accumulated testing across frozen lakes and icy terrain in northern Sweden have given engineers the perfect opportunity to dial in this upcoming all-electric SUV. Range Rover’s team was also validating next-gen technologies like the ThermAssist™ system, which cuts heating energy use by up to 40% and helps preserve both driving range and charging speed in frigid temperatures.
Even at -10°C, the cabin remains warm and inviting while the battery maintains charging efficiency, a critical factor for EV adoption in cold climates. With a specially engineered 117kWh battery made in-house at JLR, featuring cell-to-pack architecture and a double-stacked layout of 344 prismatic cells, the Range Rover Electric is designed for top-tier energy density and consistent performance.
Effortless Control in Extreme Terrain
Engineered to excel off-road just as much as on tarmac, the prototype showed off its finely tuned all-wheel-drive system and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD). The range rover’s EV system can adjust rear torque from 0% to 100% with extreme precision means it will be detecting and correcting slippage up to 100 times faster than a conventional ICE system.
Along with the Integrated Traction Management, the system fine-tunes traction in real-time, providing better stability across some of the most challenging surfaces like a frozen lake, a split-friction road, or a sharp incline glazed in ice. But what truly sets this prototype apart is how far it’s pushing single pedal driving. On icy 28-degree inclines and uneven 17-degree surfaces, the system not only brings the vehicle to a halt without touching the brakes, it holds its position, then moves forward again with eerie smoothness.
This kind of control redefines off-road confidence. Pair that with Range Rover’s signature twin-chamber air suspension, and what you probably be getting is a vehicle that doesn’t just survive Arctic extremes, it glides through them with composure and grace.
Maintaining the Range Rover Experience
Preserving the DNA of the Range Rover has been central to this EV’s development, especially in a test environment as demanding as Arjeplog. Adjustments like increased torsional rigidity and chassis refinements were done deliberately to retain the poised, fluid driving dynamics that make a Range Rover feel like a Range Rover.
Matt Becker, JLR’s Vehicle Engineering Director, put it best: “By increasing its torsional stiffness and improving its responses, we’ve been able to maintain a customary Range Rover driving experience that feels familiar.”
Matt Becker, JLR’s Vehicle Engineering Director, emphasized that their goal was to combine cutting-edge electric tech with the essence of Range Rover comfort and capability: “By increasing its torsional stiffness and improving its responses, we’ve been able to maintain a customary Range Rover driving experience that feels familiar.”
What Comes Next
Following the Arctic testing phase, development continues in preparation for client reservations. This prototype is shaping up to be one of the most capable and luxurious EVs in the segment.
Stay tuned as Range Rover Electric moves closer to production.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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