Hybrid Range Rover in the works

Codenamed the Range_e, the new model will reportedly feature a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, a 25 kW (34hp) electric motor, and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The company is set to begin testing a fleet of five hybrid models later this year.

Peter Richings, Land Rover’s chief engineer for hybrid technology, told Just-Auto that the brand had a six-point plan for eco-technology – including stop-start technology extending from the current manual to automatic gearboxes – and varying levels of hybrid propulsion.

“The fleet trials are being operated by Land Rover staff at the moment, but it is a trial on the public roads and we’re in discussion with [utilty company] Eon who will test the vehicles.

“Eon has put in two charging points here [Land Rover’s Gaydon, Warwickshire headquarters]; one fast-charge point which will give 80% charge in 20 minutes and a slow-charge point which takes about four hours,” he said.

The Range-e plug-in hybrid can reportedly cover about 30km in full electric mode and emits around 70g/km of CO2 on the European combined test cycle. Top speed will be a maximum 220kph  and it will do “better than 80kph in electric mode”.

As part of its hybrid development, Land Rover is working on stop-start technology for automatic gearboxes.

“Our competitors are a bit clunky, particularly when it comes to change of mind moments,” said Richings.

“Our target is 600 milliseconds to restart the engine and the technology will work with either petrol or diesel but [its first application is] for diesel.”