Jaguar Land Rover is preparing to usher Range Rover into a new era of electrification, but the company has made an important change to its plans. While the upcoming replacement for the Range Rover Velar was originally expected to be offered exclusively as an electric vehicle, JLR has now confirmed that hybrid powertrains will join the lineup alongside the fully electric version.
The decision reflects a growing trend across the automotive industry, where manufacturers are adapting their strategies to match real-world customer demand rather than betting everything on a fully electric future.
A Strategic U-Turn Driven By Market Demand
When Jaguar Land Rover first unveiled its new EMA (Electric Modular Architecture) platform, the company described it as a dedicated EV architecture designed exclusively for battery-powered vehicles. However, shifting market conditions have prompted a rethink.
JLR has now re-engineered the platform to support full-hybrid powertrains as well, giving customers more flexibility and allowing the company to cater to markets where demand for combustion-powered vehicles remains strong.
The British automaker says the move is aimed at meeting global customer preferences while also supporting the UK’s automotive industry during a period of changing EV regulations and targets.
Although the new model is expected to replace today’s Velar, reports suggest it will adopt a completely different name when it arrives.
A Sleeker Design With Big Technology Upgrades
Despite the camouflage seen on recent prototypes, early indications suggest the new model will retain dimensions similar to the current Velar, measuring close to 4.8 meters in length. However, it will feature a more aerodynamic and modern design, with a lower roofline and a coupe-inspired profile intended to emphasize Range Rover’s minimalist luxury philosophy.
To support production of the new model, JLR has invested £250 million into upgrading its Halewood manufacturing facility in northwest England. The factory has been modernized to handle vehicles built on the EMA platform, including new body assembly systems and expanded paint facilities capable of offering more sophisticated contrasting roof finishes.
The electric version is expected to borrow heavily from the upcoming Range Rover Electric, sharing much of its software and underlying technology. Buyers are likely to be offered battery packs with capacities of 80 kWh and 100 kWh, delivering an estimated driving range of between 300 and more than 400 miles on a single charge.
Thanks to an 800-volt electrical architecture, the SUV is expected to support DC fast charging speeds of up to 350 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 20 minutes. JLR also claims significant efficiency improvements over previous electric models such as the Jaguar I-Pace.
Higher-spec versions are expected to feature dual electric motors producing as much as 542 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque.
The hybrid variant, meanwhile, will allow the new model to continue competing directly with premium rivals such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, while the electric version will target newer competitors including the Porsche Macan Electric and Audi Q6 e-tron.
As expected from any vehicle wearing the Range Rover badge, off-road capability will remain a core part of the package. Dual-motor versions are expected to feature Terrain Response technology for different surfaces including sand, rocks, and mud, while maintaining water-wading capabilities of up to 900 mm.
The instant torque delivery and rapid response of the electric motors will also enable a new generation of traction control systems capable of reacting significantly faster than traditional mechanical setups, improving stability both on and off the road.
Production of the Velar successor is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with market launch expected during the first half of 2027. Early estimates suggest the electric version will start at around £65,000.
Interestingly, the current Velar, available with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, is expected to remain in production for some time after the new model arrives, ensuring traditional buyers still have an option.
JLR’s decision to move away from an EV-only strategy highlights a reality many automakers are now facing. While electric technology continues to advance rapidly, customer demand, charging infrastructure, and regional market differences still make flexibility one of the industry’s most valuable assets.
