0%
Freelander EV: o retorno do SUV off-road elétrico começa na China

Freelander EV: the return of the electric off-road SUV starts in China

Autocar Motor

3 weeks ago

Freelander returns as an electric off-road SUV via JLR-Chery JV in China, with planned global launch and new variants.

The Freelander is reborn as an off-road SUV powered by electric energy, the result of a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery. The debut took place in China on Tuesday, March 31st, marking the debut of the Freelander EV. Historically, the Freelander was once one of the best-selling 4x4 SUVs in Europe until it was discontinued in 2015 by JLR to prioritize premium models, such as the Discovery Sport.

Neste artigo
  1. China paves the way for global return
  2. Platform, powertrain, and production
  3. Launch strategy and pace
  4. Testing, safety, and compliance
  5. Competition in the Chinese market

China paves the way for global return

This is the first model under the Freelander brand created by the JLR-Chery partnership, with an initial launch in China and plans for subsequent expansion to other markets, including Europe. Wei Lan, CEO of Freelander, stated, via Autocar, that international variants are under intensive development and, after the launch in China, they will enter the most important markets in the world.

Platform, powertrain, and production

The Freelander EV will be built on Chery's 800V platform, allowing for purely electric (EV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and extended-range EREV options. Production will take place in the joint plants in Changsu, China, replacing the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Range Rover Evoque.

Launch strategy and pace

The model inaugurates the new Freelander brand, with plans to launch a vehicle every six months over the next five years to consolidate the brand's presence in China.

Testing, safety, and compliance

The Freelander EV has already undergone extensive testing in Europe and was designed to comply with updated EURO NCAP protocols.

Competition in the Chinese market

As it enters the segment, questions arise about the Freelander's ability to compete with leading electric off-road SUVs in China, such as the GWM Tank 700 or the BYD Yangwang U8. Time will tell.

What do you think of this strategy of launching first in China and then serving the rest of the world? Share your opinion in the comments.

Autocar Motor

Passionate about cars and speed from a young age, I dove into the world on wheels long before earning my first driver’s license. With a keen eye for the latest on the road, I am dedicated to transforming the complexities of the automotive industry into clear, dynamic, and straight-to-the-point content.