Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), formerly known as Jaguar Land Rover, is gearing up to unveil its electric version of the Range Rover Sport later this year, marking the second of six new EVs slated to hit international markets by 2026. This move comes as part of the company's reimagined electrification strategy, which was initiated three years ago by former CEO Thierry Bollore and has now been updated under the leadership of current CEO Adrian Mardell.
Mardell emphasizes the importance of delivering the best-in-class vehicles equipped with cutting-edge technology to meet evolving consumer demands. This revised strategy allows JLR to allocate sufficient time for development, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.
Under this plan, JLR aims to introduce four Range Rover EVs and two Jaguar EVs by 2026. These vehicles will leverage the 800V charging infrastructure for rapid top-ups, promising enhanced convenience for users. Additionally, JLR is evaluating the possibility of manufacturing EVs in India, considering the country's growing importance as a market for electric vehicles.
In terms of specific models, the Range Rover EV and Range Rover Sport EV will lead the charge, followed by electrified versions of the Evoque, Velar, Discovery Sport, and Defender. Meanwhile, Jaguar will introduce a four-door GT and an ultra-luxury SUV to its EV lineup, both based on the JEA architecture.
While JLR remains tight-lipped about performance figures and battery specifications, it assures customers of go-anywhere capability and impressive performance comparable to V8 engines. The incorporation of 800V charging hardware will facilitate rapid charging speeds of up to 270kW, ensuring minimal downtime for users.
Furthermore, JLR plans to manufacture the Range Rover EV at its Solihull plant initially, before transitioning to batteries produced in the new Somerset gigafactory planned by its parent company, Tata. Talks are also underway for the potential production of EVs in India, with Sanand, Gujarat, emerging as a leading contender for the manufacturing facility.
Despite the slight delay in execution compared to initial projections, JLR remains fully committed to its electrification goals, aiming to electrify every product in its lineup by the end of the decade. This strategic shift underscores the company's dedication to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.
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