Range Rover Launches First Fully Electric Model
BBC News reports that Range Rover has unveiled its first fully electric model, following a year-long delay due to owner Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)’s financial struggles and supply chain disruptions.
The prototype’s launch marks a significant shift in JLR’s electrification program, alongside major upgrades across its West Midlands sites. Despite recent challenges, including falling profits, a cyber attack, and planned job cuts, JLR has up-skilled 10,500 workers for electric production.
Martin Limpert, managing director of Range Rover, described the new model as the result of a decade of "considered engineering." The launch includes the opening of a new Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, producing battery packs and electric drive units alongside traditional engines.
Key points:
- JLR plans to modernise despite financial pressures
- Launch supported by new battery and electric drive unit production lines
- 9,000 employees in Solihull trained for electrification, with an additional 1,500 across the region
- JLR facing falling profits, supply chain disruption, and restructuring following a cyber attack
