Categories
Corporate

Range Rover electric marks JLR’s push into luxury EVs

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled the first fully electric Range Rover, marking a significant milestone in the automaker’s transition towards battery-electric vehicles and its expansion in the luxury EV segment.

The Range Rover Electric is positioned as the company’s flagship electric SUV, combining the established Range Rover design and luxury positioning with an all-electric powertrain, advanced charging technology and off-road capability.

The launch comes at an important stage for JLR as the company seeks to strengthen growth and margins amid changing demand across global automotive markets. The new model gives JLR an opportunity to expand its presence in the premium EV market while leveraging the global strength of the Range Rover brand.

The Range Rover Electric is powered by a 118.5kWh battery pack and uses two electric motors. The powertrain produces up to approximately 542 horsepower and 850Nm of torque. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in around 4.3 seconds, putting its performance in line with several high-performance luxury SUVs.

JLR claims a maximum driving range of around 600km under the WLTP testing cycle. Actual range will vary depending on factors including driving conditions, temperature, vehicle load and driving behaviour.

The vehicle uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports rapid charging. JLR says the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 22 minutes when connected to a compatible high-power charging system.

Maintaining the Range Rover’s established all-terrain capability has been a key consideration in the vehicle’s development. The electric SUV can reportedly wade through water up to 900mm deep, while its electric motors allow power to be controlled rapidly across the vehicle to support traction on challenging surfaces.

Visually, the model retains the design language of the existing Range Rover family. Instead of adopting a completely new appearance, JLR has made targeted changes to distinguish the electric version while maintaining the brand’s established identity.

This approach allows the company to target existing Range Rover customers who are considering an electric vehicle without moving away from the design, luxury and capability associated with the nameplate.

Production of the Range Rover Electric will take place at JLR’s Solihull manufacturing facility in the UK. The plant has received investment and workforce training to support the company’s move towards electric vehicle production.

JLR has trained thousands of employees as part of the transition, reinforcing its plans to manufacture the flagship electric SUV in the UK.

The new model is positioned firmly within the premium and ultra-luxury segment. UK prices start at approximately £154,000, with higher specifications and customer personalisation expected to increase the final price.

The pricing places the Range Rover Electric among the most expensive electric SUVs available, with JLR targeting customers for whom brand, performance, technology and exclusivity are key purchasing considerations.

The model is also being introduced in India, where JLR has opened bookings for the electric Range Rover. The SUV is expected to be sold as a completely built unit, placing it within the premium imported EV category.

Its arrival comes as luxury automakers expand their electric portfolios in India. While demand for premium EVs is growing, factors such as charging infrastructure and the high cost of imported electric vehicles remain relevant to the segment.

For JLR, the launch represents a major product transition for one of its most important nameplates. The company is using the Range Rover Electric to enter the premium electric SUV market while retaining the characteristics that have supported the brand’s global appeal.

The wider automotive industry is undergoing a similar shift, with manufacturers investing heavily in batteries, software, charging systems and electric powertrains. At the same time, companies are under pressure to control development costs and protect profitability as EV competition intensifies.

JLR’s established luxury brands give it a strong platform for this transition, but the commercial performance of its electric models will determine how effectively those investments translate into growth.

The Range Rover Electric is therefore expected to be closely watched as JLR expands its battery-electric portfolio. Its combination of long claimed range, rapid charging, high performance and off-road capability is designed to address the expectations of luxury SUV customers moving towards electrification.

The launch marks the beginning of a new phase for the Range Rover brand. For JLR, the priority now is to establish the electric SUV as a credible premium product while using its performance to support the company’s broader electrification and business objectives.

 

Categories
Beyond

Karnataka to charge lifetime road tax on EVs

In a major policy shift, the Karnataka government has decided to introduce a lifetime road tax on electric vehicles (EVs), including electric cars, by withdrawing the tax exemptions that were earlier in place. The move is expected to increase the cost of owning an electric car in the state.

Under the new rules, electric two-wheelers will continue to remain exempt from road tax, offering some relief to buyers in that segment. However, electric cars and other larger EVs will now attract a one-time tax at the time of registration.

The tax will depend on the price of the vehicle. Electric cars priced up to ₹10 lakh are likely to be taxed at around 5%, those between ₹10 lakh and ₹25 lakh may face an 8% tax, and vehicles above ₹25 lakh could attract up to 10%. This means buyers will have to pay more upfront when purchasing an electric car.

The decision marks a change in Karnataka’s earlier approach, where incentives and tax exemptions were used to encourage people to switch to cleaner, electric mobility. The state had been considered one of the early supporters of EV adoption in India.

While the government is expected to gain additional revenue from this move, the decision has raised concerns among industry experts and buyers. Many believe that higher costs could discourage people from choosing electric cars, especially at a time when the shift to greener transport is being actively promoted.

At the same time, keeping tax exemptions for electric two-wheelers suggests that the government still wants to support more affordable and widely used EV options. Two-wheelers make up a large share of vehicle sales, and this relief could help maintain momentum in that segment.

The decision has also sparked debate, with some questioning whether reducing incentives for electric cars could slow down the transition to environmentally friendly vehicles.

Also Read: Google unveils ‘Vids’ AI video Tool