Range Rover Electric prototypes are currently in one of the world’s most unforgiving climates, undergoing the most intensive testing any Range Rover has ever endured.
As part of the gruelling development of the first all-electric Range Rover, the United Arab Emirates is the proving ground for a searing desert assessment. Vehicle performance and efficiency are fiercely challenged to ensure the entire propulsion system is reliably temperature-controlled and built to support longevity and optimum range.
Range Rover is subjecting its newest and most intelligent thermal management system to arduous testing in merciless temperatures of 50C and up to 90 per cent humidity. In a testing environment that all Range Rovers are subjected to, there is no place more challenging for a climate system. From dynamic desert climbs to sun-soaked city cycles, nothing is left unexplored in pursuit of maximum client cabin comfort and vehicle capability.
Range Rover Electric delivers impressive efficiency, surpassing the thermal testing performance recorded of any Range Rover on sand. Defying all limitations, exemplary thermal performance was maintained continuously throughout intensive, prolonged desert driving.
Thomas Müller, Executive Director, Product Engineering said: "A hot climate is one of the most challenging for any battery electric vehicle, because of the need to cool the cabin and optimise battery performance at the same time. The additional challenge of driving on sand requires controlled low-speed torque, so our specially developed traction control and thermal management systems work in harmony to ensure power delivery is unaffected. Our tests have shown that in this climate, repeatedly driving the equivalent of 100metres uphill on fine sand, Range Rover Electric matches the performance of itsICE equivalents; in some instances, even surpassing them – thanks to the introduction of these new features."
Range RoverElectric benefits from more than 50 years of pioneering innovations to deliver composure and comfort across any terrain. This cycle of robustness and durability testing affirms Range Rover’s ‘go anywhere’ credentials into its electric era. Range Rover’s intelligent electric drive system and advanced terrain response create a seamless experience beyond Dubai’s metropolis and into the desert without hesitation – equipped with confidence-inspiring capability.
Well-balanced weight distribution and an advanced suspension system maintain control and stability effortlessly through the sand, performing with ultimate composure. Un compromised traction systems provide instant torque allowing for quick acceleration, responsiveness and a refined drive even when navigating diverse dune formations.
Range RoverElectric’s new Intelligent Torque Management system 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, offering improved traction control while driving on fine sand.
In the heart of Sharjah’s Al Badayer desert, ‘Big Red’ stands tall amongst saffron-coloured dunes. The natural 300ft dune formation is Dubai’s greatest desert hill climb. All Range Rover vehicles are subjected to completing the ascent five times without showing any reduction in performance before proceeding to the next testing stage. Range Rover Electric completed the feat with flying colours.
Range Rover Electric excels through this significant stage of development. Preparations continue to refine and craft the epitome of Range Rover luxury ahead of welcoming client reservations in 2025.