Range_e Plug-In Hybrid Enters Future Car Challenge

Land Rover will be participating in the Royal Automobile Club’s (RAC) Future Car Challenge with its electric-diesel hybrid, the Range_e.

The Future Car Challenge is an event designed to showcase the latest advancements in hybrid, electric and low-emission vehicle technology. Participants will traverse a 60-mile course from Brighton (UK) to London, while attempting to expend the least amount of energy possible. Land Rover will be entering three of its Range_e concept vehicles into a field of over 15 competitors, including the likes of Nissan, Toyota and Mercedes Benz.

The Range Rover Range_e draws its power from a 3 liter V6 turbo diesel engine, the same engine found in the UK versions of the Range Rover Sport. The Range_e styling is also borrowed from the Range Rover Sport, with one main difference being the addition of a second fuel flap where drivers can “plug in” their Rovers to charge its electric motor. The 67 kw electric motor can propel the Rover at speeds up to 50mph for distances of 20 miles. Combine diesel and electric power sources and the Range_e averages about 85mpg, or 700 miles per tank. What’s more, the Range_e produces CO2 emissions comparable to a vehicle half its size at 89g/km.

The Range_e boasts some impressive fuel consumption statistics for a vehicle its size, making it a perfect fit for the Future Car Challenge:

"We very much welcome the involvement of Land Rover by entering three of its prototype Range_e vehicles," said RAC's chairman Ben Cussons. "The RAC Future Car Challenge is, by definition, an event to bring future vehicle technology to the attention of the car buying public. This will enable them to make better informed choices when considering the environmental impact of future vehicle purchases."

The competition is sponsored by The Royal Automobile Club of Pall Mall London and will take place on November 5th. The event will be followed by a presentation ceremony to award the winner of the competition.