JLR Korea has announced that the first prototype of the Range Rover Electric is undergoing driving tests in the most extreme locations in the world. As the brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the Range Rover Electric is gaining recognition as a model that will lead in powerful electrified driving performance and a refined, luxurious driving experience. The Range Rover Electric prototype is currently conducting performance tests of its electrified powertrain in extreme climate conditions, ranging from the Arctic Circle, where temperatures drop to -40°C, to the scorching heat of Middle Eastern deserts that rise to 50°C.
The first phase of testing focused on battery capacity and Electric Drive Unit (EDU) performance in ultra-low temperatures reaching -40°C. The battery and EDU are key components that directly affect the performance of electric vehicles, along with the transmission, electric motors, and electric power delivery system. For the first time in its history, JLR assembles and produces both the battery and EDU in-house.
Results from the testing conducted on an icy lake in Sweden demonstrated that the Range Rover proved the performance of its newly developed fully electrified driving system. This testing further confirmed that Range Rover, which has already built a strong reputation in harsh driving environments, maintains its unique all-terrain, all-weather driving capability across all terrains, climate conditions, and road conditions.
The new traction control system, applied for the first time in the Range Rover, delivers excellent performance even on icy or low-friction surfaces. Unlike conventional traction control settings that rely entirely on the ABS unit, the new traction control system of the Range Rover Electric allows each individual electric drive control unit to directly manage situations involving wheel slip, significantly reducing torque response time for each wheel from about 0.1 seconds to within 0.001 seconds.
The innovative software developed by JLR reduces the need for ABS intervention by precisely controlling wheel slip through accurate EDU speed control. This outstanding responsiveness and intricate system enhance the overall driving experience of the Range Rover, maximizing driving force on any surface condition. This system works in harmony with stability control and chassis systems, providing a more sophisticated overall driving experience.
Thomas Müller, Senior Director of Product Engineering at JLR, stated, “The Range Rover Electric combines the unique luxury and sophistication of the Range Rover brand with a nearly silent pure electric powertrain, enabling smooth and serene journeys.” He added, “We are meticulously conducting all physical tests and development programs to perfect the vehicle. Every program is designed to maximize the performance of the Range Rover Electric, ensuring that by the time of its official launch, we can guarantee an unmatched level of performance.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr