The Future is Now: Exploring the Advanced Hybrid Technology in Land Rover’s Latest Models

Hybrid Range Rover Sport

Hybrid technology has come a long way since the Prius was commercially introduced in 1997. Today's hybrid cars are equipped with cutting-edge technology and promise new levels of environment friendliness without compromising on power and functionality.

As one of the pioneers in the field, few car-makers are as committed to this technology as Land Rover. Its new range of hybrid vehicles unlock new levels of performance and luxury — and come in iconic bodies that Land Rover is known for.

What makes them so advanced? Let's take a look at the latest range of Land Rover hybrid cars and the many benefits of owning one.

History of Hybrid Technology in Land Rover

Land Rover's first range of hybrid vehicles came out in 2013.

The Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid promised more energy efficiency and lower emissions. To showcase the two cars, Land Rover drove them down from a factory in Solihull, England, to Mumbai, India, and on to the Himalayan mountain ranges — in a journey that lasted 53 days and passed through 13 countries.

Since then, Land Rover has offered hybrid versions of several models, including the all-terrain Range Rover Evoque P300e, the sophisticated Range Rover Velar P400e, and the sturdy Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV.

In 2017, the company introduced its first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) with the Range Rover P400e and Range Rover Sport P400e.

Then, two years later, it unveiled a line of innovative Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles, cars that use a gas engine along with a small battery to improve fuel economy.

Today, almost all Land Rovers sold can come with at least one form of electrification, which is becoming increasingly crucial as the world adopts new emission standards.

Overview of Latest Hybrid Models

Over the years, Land Rover has been one of many brands that have relied on hybrid systems to usher in the future of driving. This trend has continued into 2024, with the latest LR hybrid cars making the most of this technology.

The brand offers several plug-in and mild hybrid variants.

What is the difference between the two?

While both are assisted by an electrical component, a plug-in hybrid can be charged with an EV charger, while a mild hybrid cannot run without petrol or diesel. The electric motor, in this case, only assists the engine and improves efficiency.

Here is a breakdown of Land Rover's two main plug-in hybrid SUVs:

In 2024, almost all models are sold with PHEV options — including the massive-bodied LR Discovery Sport Plug-in Hybrid and the Range Rover Velar PHEV, which goes from 0-100 in an impressive 5.1 seconds, a time comparable to sports cars.

Meanwhile, the brand also offers several MHEV models, such as:

While vehicle specifications differ in each of these models, they all run on gasoline and cannot be charged. That said, the MHEV's gas engines are assisted by a 48V electrical system, which improves fuel efficiency and cuts down emissions, resulting in a much lower environmental impact than diesel models.

Technical Deep Dive into Hybrid Systems

Range Rover offers two innovative types of hybrid vehicles across its models. But how do these systems really work? Let's break it down.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

A PHEV is plugged in to charge like any other electric vehicle but also comes with an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. While the electric motor can be used to cover short distances, the gas engine takes over when the car runs out of battery.

Many PHEVs also utilize regenerative braking — which means that the battery is recharged by the energy generated when braking.

Land Rover PHEVs can be charged by either a Level 1, Level 2, or fast Level 3 chargers. A full charge can take between 20 minutes and 9 hours, depending on the charger and the EPA range of the model in question.

Drivers can pick between a hybrid mode, which makes the car switch between the gasoline and electric battery based on the performance needed, or an electric vehicle mode, which prioritizes electric power and only switches to the gasoline engine if necessary.

Land Rover owners can also use a Predictive Energy Optimization function that predicts the road ahead to maximize fuel economy.

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles

An MHEV, on the other hand, comes equipped with a much smaller battery.

The purpose of this battery is to recover kinetic energy when the vehicle is braking. This energy is sent to a low-output electric motor that assists the gasoline-powered engine. In Land Rovers, MHEV engines also turn off when coasting, braking, or stationary.

Unlike PHEVs, MHEVs cannot run on electric power alone. However, the cars are more economical than those with traditional engines.

It is estimated that the 48V battery cuts fuel consumption by 15%. Furthermore, the mild hybrid engine technology reduces CO2 emissions by a third when compared to other luxury SUVs.

Essentially, while traditional Land Rover models have a mileage between 14 l/100km and 11 l/100km, the PHEV offers an extended battery range of up to 85 km on a full charge. In fact, if used only for short-distance driving, some suggest the Range Rover Sport PHEV can offer up to 0.5 l/100 km.

The MHEVs, meanwhile, can reduce fuel consumption to as much as 5 l/100 km, courtesy of their electric motors.

While the mileage isn't as high as the PHEVs, these cars are beneficial for those who mostly drive short distances or don't have access to an EV charger.

Benefits of Driving a Hybrid Land Rover 2024

There are several benefits to opting for a hybrid Land Rover model. Some include:

Comparative Analysis with Competitors

While Land Rover has been a pioneer of hybrid technology, it's not the only manufacturer that supplements its engine with an electric motor. However, according to some estimates, its range excels when compared to competitors.

The Range Rover PHEV and Range Rover Sport PHEV offer up to 85 km EV range. By comparison, the latest hybrid cars of competitors offer:

Apart from offering more energy efficiency than other cars in its league, Land Rovers are renowned for their luxury interiors and enhanced driveability — with advanced four-wheel-drive systems, adjustable suspensions, and off-road capabilities.

Provided you carry out regular Land Rover diagnostics tests and remember to look out for Land Rover suspension problems, these cars offer exceptional performance and immense fuel savings.

Future of Hybrid Technology in Land Rover

Even as Land Rover takes great strides in reducing emissions with its PHEV and MHEV models, the brand's future focuses on doing away with internal combustion engines altogether. The first all-electric Land Rover model is due to be released in 2024.

Another of Land Rover's automotive milestones is to launch four battery electric vehicles by 2026, including a Range Rover Electric and a Range Rover Sport Electric. However, due to the high demand for the current crop of hybrid vehicles on offer, the brand has also announced that it will introduce upcoming hybrid models to the market.

By 2036, Land Rover has announced that it wants 100% of its sales to come from purely Battery Electric Vehicles. Not only will this usher in an era of sustainable driving, but it will also introduce the world to more innovative future technology and represent a turning point in Land Rover's history.

Conclusion

If there's one thing we've learnt in the last few years, it's that the future of the automotive industry is electric. As one of the world's most iconic luxury SUV brands and with a reputation for being fuel guzzlers, Land Rover has a great responsibility on its shoulders to shape a more sustainable future.

While the current lineup of Land Rover hybrid models is pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, the brand seems intent on building an all-electric future that is in line with the changing times.

As always, with such massive jumps in technology, car owners must also pay extra attention to repair and maintenance schedules. Land Rovers are extremely complicated vehicles and require a great deal of expertise to ensure they keep running smoothly.

As one of the leading classic auto repair services in Canada, Westminster Motors is the perfect partner on this journey.

If you're a Land Rover owner, feel free to contact our team of dedicated professionals for Land Rover licensed repairs and warranty-approved equipment. If, instead, you're looking to purchase a used Land Rover, you can also opt for our pre-purchase car inspection to ensure everything works as intended in your new hybrid vehicle.

Author: Avo Demirjian