JLR expands EMA platform to support full hybrids

For years, JLR—the group behind Jaguar and Land Rover—has been working on its new electric vehicle platform called Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA). Now, however, it has become clear: The platform is also intended to be used for vehicles with full hybrid (HEV) powertrains.

Image: JLR

It almost sounds as if JLR has taken a page from its new cooperation partner Stellantis’ book. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa aims to transform the company into a ‘beacon of freedom of choice’—at least where powertrain options are concerned. For Stellantis, this also means stepping back from an ambitious electric-only strategy. JLR is now adopting a similar approach: the British luxury car manufacturer, part of the Indian Tata Group, has announced it is ‘increasing propulsion flexibility’ to offer more choice in global markets. This move is intended to maximize ‘growth and building resilience.’

While JLR remains committed to its strategy of positioning Jaguar as a purely electric brand and launching this vision with the upcoming Type 01, an all-electric four-door GT, Land Rover will offer a broader range of powertrain options. Its sub-brands—Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery—will no longer include pure internal combustion engine vehicles in their portfolios. Instead, they will feature a spectrum ranging from mild hybrids and full hybrids to plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.

At the heart of JLR’s ‘Reimagine’ strategy are the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) and the Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA). The EMA, first announced by JLR in 2021, was initially designed to utilise 800-volt technology for high charging performance. However, the EMA will no longer be a pure battery-electric platform as originally expected; it will now also accommodate full hybrids.

This shift will soon become tangible: JLR plans to introduce its first electric model under the Range Rover brand later this year, based on the EMA platform. However, contrary to earlier expectations, this model will also be available as a full hybrid. The manufacturer describes the full hybrid variant as ‘unique new addition to JLR’s propulsion portfolio.’ A battery-electric Defender based on the EMA platform is also expected to follow, likely complemented by a full hybrid version.

The first all-electric models from Land Rover, however, will be the Range Rover Electric and the Range Rover Sport Electric, both set to launch in 2026. Notably, these models will not be based on the EMA platform but on the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA).

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