As part of the gruelling development of the first all‑electric Range Rover, the United Arab Emirates is the proving ground for a searing desert assessment. Vehicle performance and efficiency are fiercely challenged to ensure the entire propulsion system is reliably temperature‑controlled and built to support longevity and optimum range.
Range Rover is subjecting its newest and most intelligent thermal management system to arduous testing in merciless temperatures of 50C and up to 90 per cent humidity. In a testing environment that all Range Rovers are subjected to, there is no place more challenging for a climate system. From dynamic desert climbs to sun‑soaked city cycles, nothing is left unexplored in pursuit of maximum client cabin comfort and vehicle capability.
Thomas Muller, executive director of product engineering, commented “A hot climate is one of the most challenging for any battery electric vehicle, because of the need to cool the cabin and optimise battery performance at the same time. The additional challenge of driving on sand requires controlled low‑speed torque, so our specially developed traction control and thermal management systems work in harmony to ensure power delivery is unaffected. Our tests have shown that in this climate, repeatedly driving the equivalent of 100 metres uphill on fine sand, Range Rover Electric matches the performance of its ICE equivalents; in some instances, even surpassing them – thanks to the introduction of these new features.”
Well‑balanced weight distribution and an advanced suspension system maintain control and stability effortlessly through the sand, performing with ultimate composure. Uncompromised traction systems provide instant torque allowing for quick acceleration, responsiveness and a refined drive even when navigating diverse dune formations.
Range Rover Electric’s new Intelligent Torque Management system distributes the wheel slip management task directly to each individual electric drive control unit, reducing the torque reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds, to as little as 1 millisecond, offering improved traction control while driving on fine sand.
Range Rover Electric excels through this significant stage of development. Preparations continue to refine and craft the epitome of Range Rover luxury ahead of welcoming client reservations in 2025.
