New Discovery Sport and Evoque plug-in hybrids launched by Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover has a new plug-in hybrid system for the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport and it says other models will also get the new tech.

The new hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which is 37kg lighter than the four-pot on which it’s based, and it is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, that weighs 5kg less than the brand’s nine-speed unit. On its own it makes 197 horsepower but with a 107 horsepower electric motor and a 15kWh battery the total output is 304 horses and 540Nm of torque.

The Evoque P300e is able to hit 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds while the Discovery Sport P300e - being larger and available with seven seats - does it in 6.6 seconds.

The Evoque P300e has an all-electric range of 66km while the Discovery Sport P300e can drive for 62km with the Range Rove’s fuel-efficiency rated at 1.4 litres per 100km and the Land Rover rated at 1.6 litres per 100km.

Both models are capable of having their batteries recharged from zero to 80 per cent in 30 minutes through 50 kW and 100 kW DC Rapid chargers. The charging port is sited on the rear wing, on the opposite site of the petrol filler flap. With no electric Land Rover available yet, they will also have a huge impact on reducing the brand’s fleet average CO2 emissions.

There are three different driving modes offered for both vehicles. In the default Hybrid mode, the engine and electric motor work in harmony and adapt to driving conditions and the remaining charge in the battery. EV mode is also offered where the electric motor solely powers the SUVs.

Last but not least is the SAVE mode that prioritizes the combustion engine as its main power source and maintains battery State of Charge at a specific level.

Buyers will receive a Mode 2 Home Charging Cable that allows for the battery to be charged up in 6 hours and 42 minutes through a normal household socket. Available to order now, the plug-in hybrid variants are arguably as important as the new Defender in terms of sales, because they’re targeted at the lucrative fleet markets.