Electric news from Range Rover

GREEN FUTURE: TWO PLUG-IN HYBRIDS INTRODUCED TO SA

Both combine a 221kW 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor.

The new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport have taken major steps toward the future with the addition of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain options, and both variants are now available in South Africa.

Both models are badged P400e in reference to their respective power outputs of 404PS (297kW) and combine a 221kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor.

With impressive 640Nm torque figures, they mix dynamic, sustainable performance with traditional Land Rover capability, comfort and refinement.

Each model’s 2.0-litre petrol engine is longitudinally mounted, with an 85kW electric motor housed within the ZF automatic eight-speed transmission, alongside a 7kW on-board charger.

The access point for the charging cable is hidden at the front behind the grille badge. The prismatic cell lithium-ion batteries are mounted at the rear beneath the boot floor.

Drivers can select from two modes, Parallel Hybrid mode, which combines petrol and electric drive, and Electric Vehicle, which enables the vehicle to run solely on the electric motor for up to 51km using the energy stored in the battery.

Parallel Hybrid mode offer two functions, SAVE and Predictive Energy Optimisation.

The SAVE function prevents the battery charge dropping below a pre-selected level.

The Predictive Energy Optimisation (PEO) function is acticvated by entering a destination in the navigation system enables the feature, which utilises built-in GPS altitude data for the selected route, to intelligently combine the electric motor and petrol engine to maximise fuel economy.

When rapid charging the 13.1kWh high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, full charges can be achieved in as little as two hours 45 minutes at home using an optional 32 amp wall box. The batteries can be fully charged in seven and a half hours using the supplied 10 amp home charging cable.

The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEVs’ batteries are covered by eight-year, 160 000km, 70% state of health warranties.

Comfort-enhancing functions transform the travelling experience for the driver and passengers. The front seats feature either 20 or 24-way movement thanks to the new seat frames, with wider and deeper foams as well as heated arm rests. In the rear a completely redesigned cabin and seating layout create a tranquil sanctuary with no compromise to the rear load space. For additional convenience and personalisation, all seat functionality can be controlled via a smartphone app.

The Range Rover and Sport PHEVs are priced from R2 207 300 and R1 639 300 respectively.