Land Rover is trialling a fleet of five Range-e plug-in hybrid cars based on the Range Rover Sport. The vehicles, worth nearly £2 million each, are part of the firm’s research into how drivers use hybrids.
Setting out its plan for lower CO2 cars, hybrid technology boss Peter Richings said the vehicles are powered by the firm’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel as well as an electric motor.
“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 Eon who will test the vehicles.
“As for non-project businesses, it depends how the project develops,” said Richings.
“Eon has put in two charging points here [Land Rover’s Gaydon HQ] – one fast-charge point which will give 80% charge in 20 minutes and a slow-charge point which takes about 4 hours.”
The Range-e plug-in hybrid can cover more than 20 miles in full electric mode and produces around 70g/km on the combined cycle. Top speed is a maximum 120mph, and it will do “better than 50mph in electric mode”.
“The trial vehicles use the spare wheel well and you lose some boot space (floor is 60mm higher). However, departure angle is better,” concluded Richings.
