JLR postpones market launch of electric models
JLR will launch its first fully electric models from its own production later than originally planned. Specifically, this concerns the most important model series in the British car manufacturer’s programme: the Range Rover Electric was originally due to be handed over to the first customers from the end of this year, but deliveries have now been delayed by several months and are not due to start until 2026. Customers who have ordered the electric version of the SUV have been informed in writing.
The reason for this is that the company wants to wait and see how the market develops, and that the vehicles will be tested for longer than originally planned before the market launch. With this information, the Guardian refers to the statements of two people familiar with JLR’s production planning.
The Range Rover Electric would be the manufacturer’s first all-electric model that is not only developed but also built by the subsidiary of the Indian Tata Group. The Jaguar i-Pace, the British company’s first electric model, was manufactured by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Due to the lack of production experience, the car manufacturer wants to ensure that the first completely in-house electric cars fulfil its own quality standards.
Not only Land Rover’s electric models, but also its sister brand Jaguar, are said to be affected by the delays. Last December, the brand with the big cat underwent a polarising rebranding in which it deliberately broke with its own history and drew the scorn of the conservative car world with its colourful and diverse campaign. In future, Jaguar is to be positioned higher, appeal to a young, affluent clientele and, above all, only offer purely electrically powered models.
Production of the first future Jaguar model series, currently still known as ‘Type 00’, is scheduled to start in August 2026. The second model is due to follow in December 2027. Meanwhile, Land Rover is planning an electric version of the Range Rover Velar luxury SUV, which will be positioned below the larger Range Rover Electric and is scheduled to roll off the production line from April 2026. The off-road icon Defender is also to be joined by an all-electric version.
“By 2030 JLR will sell electric versions of all its luxury brands. Our plans and vehicle architectures are flexible so we can adapt to different market and client demands. We are committed to the highest standards of design, capability and quality, and we will launch our new models at the right time for our clients, our business and individual markets,” the Guardian quotes a company spokesperson as saying.
With reporting by Elias Holdenried
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