The new Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport premium compact SUVs are now available with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, delivering the performance, refinement and capability customers expect together with an electric-only range of up to 66km (41 miles) and CO2 emissions as low as 32g/km.
Badged P300e, both the new Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport plug-in hybrids are based on Land Rover’s state-of-the-art Premium Transverse architecture, which was designed to support electrification while maintaining Land Rover’s signature off-road capability. The new plug-in hybrid P300e models join the existing 48-volt mild-hybrid SUVs, bringing new levels of efficiency to the premium compact SUV sector.
The new models offer sustainable performance by combining a 200PS (147kW) 1.5-litre three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a 109PS (80kW) electric motor integrated into the rear axle and powered by a 15kWh lithium-ion battery located below the rear seats.
Performance and capability are uncompromised, with acceleration of 0-100km/h in just 6.4 seconds (0-60mph in 6.1 seconds) in the Range Rover Evoque. Meanwhile, the Discovery Sport offers 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds (0-60mph in 6.2 seconds). Both can reach speeds of up to 135km/h (84mph) using electric power alone.
Efficiency is remarkable: the Range Rover Evoque P300e emits just 32g/km of CO2 (WLTP) and has an all-electric, zero tailpipe emission range of up to 66km (41 miles), with fuel economy of 1.4L/100km (201.8mpg imp).
The Discovery Sport P300e can travel up to 62km (38 miles) using all-electric power and delivers fuel economy of 1.6L/100km (175.5mpg imp). Thanks to its electrified technology, the Discovery Sport P300e produces exceedingly low CO2 emissions of only 36g/km.
DRIVER-SELECTABLE MODES
Drivers of both models can select from three driving modes to best suit their needs, whether they’re in the city or driving on the highway:
1. HYBRID mode (the default driving mode) – automatically combines power from the electric motor and petrol engine. The operating strategy adapts to driving conditions and the remaining charge in the battery. Entering a destination in the navigation system enables the Predictive Energy Optimisation (PEO) function to intelligently integrate route and GPS data to maximise efficiency and comfort for the selected journey.
2. EV (Electric Vehicle) mode – enables the vehicle to run solely on the electric motor using the energy stored in the battery, for quiet, zero-tailpipe emission journeys.
3. SAVE mode – prioritises the combustion engine as its main power source, maintaining battery State of Charge at the chosen level.
PHEV TECHNOLOGY
The new compact SUVs are produced using Land Rover’s Premium Transverse Architecture, which was designed from the outset to accommodate plug-in and mild-hybrid technologies. The hardware is cleverly packaged beneath the cabin floor without compromising interior space.
The Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) is powered by a compact 15kWh lithium-ion battery located below the rear seats. The battery is made up of 84 prismatic cells, arranged in seven 50Ah modules of 12, with a 6mm-thick steel undertray that protects the battery without compromising the vehicles’ hallmark all-terrain capability.
The advanced Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) features a light, compact and efficient synchronous permanent magnet motor. To optimise package space, the driveshafts are concentric with the motor and single-speed transmission, while the inverter is also integrated within the ERAD casing. The ERAD module is neatly integrated within the Integral Link rear suspension system.
At speeds above 135km/h (84mph), the electric motor is decoupled to reduce drag and therefore optimise efficiency, and then seamlessly re-engages when the speed falls below this.
The compact high-voltage junction box (HVJB) under the front seats is another engineering innovation. This comprises the DC: DC converter (changes high-voltage current from the hybrid battery to low voltage to support the 12-volt network) and the 7kW on-board charger used to charge the hybrid battery when the vehicle is plugged in.
Packaged next to this is the Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) Inverter which, through intelligent electrical management, can send recuperation energy to the high-voltage battery for storage to use later or for immediate redeployment to support full all-wheel drive capability.
A new brake-by-wire system replaces the traditional brake vacuum servo, and seamlessly blends regenerative and friction braking to provide a consistent and precise pedal feel. The system can deliver up to 0.2g of deceleration under regenerative braking, maximising energy efficiency by using the vehicles’ kinetic energy to recharge the battery on the overrun.
Intelligently locating the PHEV system throughout the structure improves dynamics, lowering the centre of gravity by six per cent and further optimising front-rear weight distribution.
CHARGING
The new PHEV models are available with a Mode 2 Home Charging Cable, enabling customers to fully charge the vehicle from a plug socket in 6hrs 42mins, which is perfect for overnight charging. For faster charging, the Mode 3 Charging Cable enables customers to plug-in to a 7kW AC domestic wall box or AC public charge points: this enables charging from 0-80 per cent in just 1hr 24mins. The quickest charge times are achieved using the growing public charging network of DC charge points: at 32KW DC, 0-80 per cent takes just 30 minutes.
The charge port flap is located on the rear fender – on the opposite side of the vehicle to the fuel filler flap.
Customers can stay connected to the Evoque and Discovery Sport PHEV via Land Rover’s intelligent InControl Remote smartphone application. Whether at home or out and about, the app allows customers to monitor the vehicle’s charge status, ready the vehicle for the journey ahead or even set a charging timer to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs.
Owners can automatically pre-condition the battery and cabin temperature before starting a journey: using mains power to do this when the vehicle is plugged in rather than drawing energy from the battery when you start driving maximises range and enhances occupant comfort.
COST OF OWNERSHIP
In the UK, the average vehicle commute is 30.2km (18.8 miles) a day. Both the Discovery Sport PHEV and Evoque PHEV can drive to work and back twice in EV Mode before needing a recharge. As well as saving money on energy and spending much less time at the pumps, PHEV customers can also expect to benefit from strong residual values.
