Land Rover reveals the Range_e

The Range_e prototype previews Land Rover's first hybrid production vehicle, which will be entering production by 2013. The Range_e is based on the Range Rover Sport and showcases the diesel-electric hybrid power/drive train that will underpin Land Rover's hybrid off-roader.

Land Rover is also planning a plug-in electric version that can provide a 32km of city driving under pure electric power, which is expected to be produced by around 2015. For now, the company is working on the diesel-electric setup, and a petrol-electric version is also in the works.

The Range_e, and subsequent hybrid Land Rover models, will have an 8-speed automatic transmission built by ZF, and feature extensive use of aluminium and other lightweight materials to keep the weight down. Hybrid versions of the Range Rover Sport, the Range Rover as well as the Land Rover Discovery are currently being planned.