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The all-new Range Rover Electric prototypes are enduring some of the world’s most intense testing in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates. This hot-weather testing phase aims to prove the SUV’s performance in extreme conditions, with temperatures soaring above 122°F (50°C).
Key Highlights:
- Testing includes navigating challenging sand dunes and handling 90% humidity to verify the effectiveness of the new thermal management system.
- The Intelligent Torque Management system is designed for superior control and traction, even on fine sand.
- Rigorous testing ensures both battery performance and cabin cooling capabilities are reliable and efficient.
- Range Rover Electric’s performance on sand is comparable to, and sometimes exceeds, its internal combustion engine counterparts.
Range Rover is putting its first all-electric model through extreme climate testing to confirm that the propulsion and thermal management systems perform efficiently even under harsh conditions. The United Arab Emirates was chosen due to its searing temperatures and humidity levels, offering a proving ground that challenges the temperature control and durability of the vehicle.
The thermal management system is a key focus, ensuring the SUV’s cabin stays cool while optimizing battery performance. The system has shown exemplary performance during prolonged testing in extreme heat and humidity, ensuring comfort and functionality without compromise. Range Rover Electric has successfully surpassed previous thermal performance benchmarks for the brand’s vehicles tested in similar conditions.
Thomas Müller, Executive Director of Product Engineering, noted: “A hot climate is one of the most challenging for any battery electric vehicle, because of the need to cool the cabin and optimize 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 help ensure power delivery is unaffected. Our tests have shown that in this climate, repeatedly driving the equivalent of 328 feet (100 meters) uphill on fine sand, Range Rover Electric matches the performance of its ICE equivalents; in some instances, even surpassing them – thanks to the introduction of these new features.”
Range Rover Electric continues the brand’s tradition of innovation and capability, with more than 50 years of expertise contributing to this model. The SUV features advanced terrain response and an intelligent electric drive system that offers seamless transitions from urban environments to rugged desert landscapes.
The SUV also boasts well-balanced weight distribution and an advanced suspension system to maintain control and stability over diverse terrains. With its Intelligent Torque Management system, the vehicle provides improved traction, with torque reaction times reduced to as little as 1 millisecond, allowing for instant adjustments that ensure a smooth and responsive driving experience.
In a dramatic test in Sharjah’s Al Badayer desert, Range Rover Electric faced the 300-foot-high dune known as ‘Big Red’. All Range Rover models are required to successfully complete this ascent five times consecutively, with no reduction in performance. The Range Rover Electric not only passed but did so with impressive results, demonstrating the strength of the electric system.
This significant phase in the development of Range Rover Electric demonstrates its readiness to set a new standard in luxury electric SUVs. The brand aims to welcome client reservations starting in 2025, with further refinement underway to perfect its blend of luxury, capability, and cutting-edge technology.
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