Land Rover will build the next-gen Discovery Sport and Evoque on the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA), supporting mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups.
As many automakers are pushing towards a sustainable future, Jaguar Land Rover has revealed its intent to develop more EVs. Namely, the new Reimagine business plan suggests that the company is planning to release six new electric vehicles in the next five years. JLR also plans to produce only electrified drivetrains from 2026 onwards, including mild-hybrid setups. Moreover, by 2030, it wants to convert 60% of global sales to full-electric vehicles.
With 60% sales coming from full-electric vehicles, the company will still make PHEVs and mild-hybrid systems and aim to get 10% and 30% sales from these drivetrains, respectively. To achieve this, Land Rover is currently developing two dedicated electric platforms – the mixed-powertrain Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) and the Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA).
The EMA platform will consist of an underfloor battery placement, with a basic structure to maximize space. Jaguar says that the electric drive units will feature an 800V technology, offering an efficient 4-4.5 miles per kWh for EVs built on the EMA platform.
With the release set for 2024, the company has confirmed its first cars on the EMA to be Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport, suggesting that future generations of the models will be all-electric. Apart from all-electric drivetrains, the EMA platform will also support mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
On the other hand, the MLA platform is a flexible base that can anchor all types of drivetrains, including all-electric, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid. The company plans to introduce the MLA platform in 2022 or 2023, using it to build next-gen Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
Although there is no information on the upcoming Velar SUV, Land Rover should also build it on the EMA platform. Meanwhile, Land Rover also plans a family of Defender SUVs, with two new models planned for production for now. The company also said that an EV line-up is important, and Land Rover will start to work on a nameplate suitable for the EV.
