Land Rover Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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Range Rover Sport PHEV SUV

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Land Rover is an iconic British brand, famed globally for its off-road and four-wheel drive vehicles. Land Rover is owned by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Automotive PLC, a leading luxury vehicle manufacturer with a distinctive reputation of being British and iconic.

However the automotive company is now owned by the leading Indian industrial conglomerate, the Tata Group. The portfolio of Range Rover electric vehicles (EVs) include:

• Range Rover Evoque PHEV SUV
• Range Rover Velar PHEV SUV
• Range Rover Sport PHEV SUV
• Range Rover PHEV SUV

The famed Land Rover Range Rover Sport (simply known as Range Rover Sport) luxury SUV commenced production in 2005. The second generation was introduced in 2013. The compact luxury SUV received a facelift in 2017. The SUV is now also available as a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A pure electric Range Rover Sport is expected to be available from 2024.

Luxury, environmentally-friendly and lower driving costs, are seldom used in the same sentence when it comes to premium SUVs. However, with the addition of a plug-in hybrid electric variant by automotive manufacturers, luxurious SUVs can offer improved environmental and economy credentials. The Range Rover Sport PHEV is certainly not ‘affordable’, but by leveraging the benefits of the zero-tailpipe emission e-mode, driving this larger family vehicle has become more affordable.

The updated Range Rover Sport plug-in electric SUV has a 38.2 kWh onboard EV battery with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 113 km (WLTP certified). Of course, the real-world e-range will be lower, and possibly closer to 95 km.

However, this is certainly class-leading and can be leveraged to lower the cost of motoring. Driving on electric mode, powered by the onboard electric motor and EV battery, is far cheaper than driving using the internal combustion engine (ICE).

The Range Rover Sport PHEV also benefits from an improved fuel economy compared to the conventional petrol only variant. Land Rover claims a fuel economy up 0.8 l/100km for the premium PHEV SUV. Of course, like the real-world EV range, the real-world fuel economy will be less efficient than the published data. However, the fuel economy of the Sport PHEV can be improved substantially by leveraging the pure electric mode.

To leverage the benefits of electric driving, having a fully charged EV battery is imperative. The Sport PHEV can be charged up to 50 kW DC charging: 0%-80%: 30 minutes. Do keep in mind that not all plug-in electric cars are capable of DC fast charging. But given the price tag of the Range Rover Sport PHEV, offering DC charging compatibility is a must!

In all probability, on most occasions, the EV will be charged overnight at home. We at e-zoomed recommend the use of a dedicated EV charger for home charging. The single-phase easee EV charger is a good example. The PHEV can be charged up to 100% in 5 hours.

We recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, the e-mode can be used more often and regular charging is also better for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. Land Rover offers a warranty up to 6 years or 100,000 km.

The Range Rover Sport plug-in Hybrid offers, both an attractive exterior design and interior cabin. Of course, luxury and technology come at a price, but having said that, the standard kit technology and features on offer, does not disappoint. The five-seat SUV offers up to 703 L boot space, which is certainly practical, despite the addition of an onboard EV battery.

The all-wheel drive Range Rover Sport P400e Sport PHEV delivers a good preference. The EV pairs a 3.0-litre (6-cylinder) petrol combustion engine with an electric motor. Despite the size and weight (2,735 kg) of the EV, acceleration is impressive: 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a 225 km/h top speed (maximum power: 440 hp/ torque: 620 Nm).

The 510e PHEV achieves 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a 242 km/h top speed. The drive is refined and in e-mode the ride quality is even better and quieter!

The EV has tailpipe emissions up to 20g (CO2/km). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and for the wallet! The Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Good EV battery size	Expensive, specially at the higher trim levels
Good pure electric range	DC charging limited to 50 kW and onboard charger limited to 7 kW
Efficient EV with good fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions	Seven seats not an option

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The Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid SUV (credit:JLR)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Engine:	Electric/ Petrol
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Range Rover Sport (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 38.2 kWh
Charging:	50 kW DC charging: 0%-80%: 30 minutes. Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	20 – 18g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	6 years or 100,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1803
Width (mm):	2073
Length (mm):	4879
Wheelbase (mm):	2923
Turning Circle (m):	12.5
Boot Space (L):	703

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P400e PHEV
EV Battery Capacity:	38.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	113 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	258.1
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	0.8 – 0.9
Charging:	50 kW DC charging: 0%-80%: 30 minutes. Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs)
Top Speed:	225 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.5 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (HP):	440
Torque (Nm):	620
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight-EU (kg):	2,735
Colours:	21
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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P510e PHEV
EV Battery Capacity:	38.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	113 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	258.1
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	0.8 – 0.9
Charging:	50 kW DC charging: 0%-80%: 30 minutes. Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 5 hrs)
Top Speed:	242 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.2 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (HP):	510
Torque (Nm):	700
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight-EU (kg):	2,810
Colours:	21
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Benefits Of Electric Driving

The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

Improved Air Quality

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. 

While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

Lower Noise Pollution

Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians.

As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres.

Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres.

No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV.

Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station). In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe.

It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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