The Range Rover Electric is a luxury SUV powered entirely by a battery, with no gas engine

Land Rover released the Range Rover Electric (also called the Range Rover SE) as a fully battery-powered version of its flagship SUV. It uses a large rechargeable battery pack instead of a traditional gasoline or diesel engine, which means you plug it in to charge rather than fill it with fuel. The vehicle is designed to handle the same terrain and towing capacity as the gas-powered Range Rover, but with zero tailpipe emissions.

The electric Range Rover is built on the same platform as the standard Range Rover but with a different powertrain. It seats five passengers and offers the same luxury interior features, infotainment system, and all-wheel-drive capability. The main trade-off compared to gas models is that you need access to charging infrastructure and must plan longer trips around charging stops.

Key Takeaways

  • The Range Rover Electric has a driving range of roughly 300 to 350 miles per charge, depending on driving conditions and how you use the vehicle.
  • Charging at home with a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging at public stations can add 200 miles in 30 to 45 minutes.
  • The starting price is significantly higher than the gas Range Rover, and you may be able to claim a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you meet income and vehicle price limits.
  • The electric Range Rover requires less routine maintenance than gas models because it has no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid to service.
  • Winter weather and highway driving reduce the vehicle's range by 20 to 40 percent, so real-world distance on a single charge is often shorter than the EPA estimate.

Battery range and real-world driving distance

Land Rover rates the Range Rover Electric at approximately 300 to 350 miles of range on a full charge under EPA testing conditions. This number assumes moderate driving on a mix of highways and city streets in temperate weather. The actual distance you can drive depends on several factors: how fast you drive, whether you use the air conditioning or heating, the terrain (hills use more battery than flat roads), and the outside temperature.

Cold weather significantly reduces range. In winter, expect the vehicle to travel 20 to 40 percent fewer miles on the same charge because the battery operates less efficiently in low temperatures and you are running the cabin heater. Highway driving at high speeds also drains the battery faster than city driving, because the vehicle works harder to overcome wind resistance. If you regularly drive in cold climates or spend most of your time on the highway, plan for a real-world range closer to 200 miles per charge.

The vehicle has a battery management system that shows you the estimated range remaining on the dashboard. This estimate updates as you drive and accounts for your current driving patterns, so it becomes more accurate the longer you own the vehicle.

Charging options and how long each takes

You have three main ways to charge the Range Rover Electric: a standard household outlet, a Level 2 charger, or a DC fast charger. A standard 120-volt outlet (the kind you use for lamps and appliances) adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charging, so it is impractical for regular use unless you are parked for many hours. Most owners install a Level 2 charger at home or use public Level 2 chargers for daily charging.

A Level 2 charger operates at 240 volts and adds roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge from empty takes 8 to 10 hours. This is why most people charge overnight at home. Installation of a Level 2 charger at your house typically costs $500 to $2,500 depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from the main service. Some employers, apartment buildings, and shopping centers offer Level 2 charging for free or at a small fee.

DC fast chargers are the quickest option and are found at public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla Superchargers (with an adapter). A DC fast charger can add 200 miles of range in 30 to 45 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. Using a DC fast charger costs money — typically $10 to $20 for a partial charge — and is best reserved for long trips, not daily charging.

Price, federal tax credits, and total cost of ownership

The Range Rover Electric starts at a higher price than the gas-powered Range Rover. The exact starting price varies by model year and trim level, but you should expect to pay a premium of $15,000 to $25,000 or more compared to an equivalent gas model. This higher upfront cost reflects the expense of the battery pack and electric motor technology.

You may be able to claim a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when you purchase a new electric Range Rover, but this credit has income limits and price caps that change year to year. For 2024, the vehicle must cost less than $55,000 and your household income must be below $300,000 (married filing jointly) to claim the full credit. Some buyers with higher incomes receive a partial credit or no credit at all. Check the current IRS rules or speak with a tax professional to see whether you meet the requirements.

Over time, the higher purchase price may be offset by lower fuel and maintenance costs. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline in most parts of the country, and electric vehicles have no oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid, or timing belts to replace. Brake pads last longer because the vehicle uses regenerative braking (the motor slows the car and captures energy back into the battery). Tire wear is similar to gas vehicles. Insurance rates for electric Range Rovers are comparable to gas models, though some insurers offer small discounts for electric vehicles.

Maintenance and long-term reliability

The Range Rover Electric requires significantly less routine maintenance than a gas-powered vehicle. There is no engine oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, no transmission fluid to flush, and no timing belt to service. The main maintenance items are tire rotation, brake fluid checks, cabin air filter replacement, and battery health monitoring. Most owners visit a service center once a year or every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, compared to every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for gas vehicles.

The battery is the most expensive component and the one most owners worry about. Land Rover covers the battery with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) against defects and excessive degradation. In real-world use, the battery typically retains 85 to 95 percent of its original capacity after 8 years. Replacement of an out-of-warranty battery is expensive — often $10,000 to $15,000 or more — but this is rare during the warranty period.

Electric motors are simpler and more durable than gas engines because they have fewer moving parts. The regenerative braking system means the friction brakes do less work, so brake pads wear more slowly. Overall, electric vehicles tend to have fewer unexpected repairs in the first 5 to 7 years of ownership compared to gas vehicles.

Off-road capability and towing with an electric powertrain

The Range Rover Electric retains the all-wheel-drive system and terrain management features of the gas Range Rover, so it can handle unpaved roads, water crossings, and steep hills. The electric motor delivers maximum torque when ready, which actually gives the vehicle strong low-end pulling power for climbing and navigating obstacles. The battery pack is mounted low in the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity and improves stability on uneven terrain.

Towing capacity for the Range Rover Electric is rated at approximately 5,500 pounds, which is lower than some gas Range Rover models but still sufficient for small trailers, jet skis, or light boat launches. Towing significantly reduces driving range because the vehicle must work harder to move the extra weight. If you tow a 5,000-pound trailer on the highway, expect your range to drop by 30 to 50 percent compared to driving without a trailer.

Off-road driving also reduces range more than highway driving because the terrain is uneven and the vehicle is constantly adjusting power to the wheels. If you plan to use the Range Rover Electric for serious off-roading or frequent towing, factor in the reduced range and plan charging stops accordingly.

Charging infrastructure and long-distance travel planning

The availability of public charging stations varies widely by region. Urban and suburban areas along major highways typically have good coverage from networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Rural areas and some regions of the country have sparse charging infrastructure, which can make long-distance travel difficult or impossible in those areas. Before purchasing, check the charging map for your region and the routes you plan to drive.

Long-distance travel in an electric Range Rover requires planning. A 500-mile trip that takes 8 hours in a gas vehicle might take 10 to 12 hours in an electric vehicle because you need to stop for 30 to 45 minutes every 200 to 250 miles to charge. Many owners use apps like PlugShare, A Better Route Planner, or the vehicle's built-in navigation to locate chargers and plan stops before leaving home.

If you live in an area with limited charging infrastructure or frequently take long road trips, an electric Range Rover may not be practical. In that case, a plug-in hybrid Range Rover (which has both a battery and a gas engine) might be a better fit, though that is a different vehicle category.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Range Rover Electric compare to gas Range Rovers in terms of performance?

The electric model accelerates faster from a standstill because electric motors deliver maximum power when ready, but it is heavier due to the battery pack. Top speed is similar, and handling is actually improved because the low-mounted battery lowers the center of gravity. The main difference is that you cannot drive as far without refueling (or recharging).

Can I charge the Range Rover Electric at a Tesla Supercharger?

Yes, but you need an adapter. Tesla Superchargers use the NACS connector, while the Range Rover Electric comes with a CCS connector. Land Rover provides an adapter, or you can purchase a third-party adapter. Charging speed and cost are the same as at other DC fast chargers.

What happens to the battery if I leave the vehicle parked for several months?

The battery will slowly discharge over time, losing roughly 1 to 3 percent of its charge per month when the vehicle is not in use. Land Rover recommends keeping the battery between 20 and 80 percent charged if you plan to store the vehicle for an extended period. The battery management system will protect itself from over-discharging, so you do not need to worry about permanent damage.

Is the Range Rover Electric worth the extra cost compared to a gas model?

That depends on your driving habits and local electricity costs. If you drive mostly in the city, have access to home charging, and plan to keep the vehicle for 7 to 10 years, the lower fuel and maintenance costs may offset the higher purchase price. If you drive long distances frequently or live in an area with expensive electricity and limited charging, a gas model may be more practical.

Can I tow a large boat or travel trailer with the Range Rover Electric?

The vehicle can tow up to roughly 5,500 pounds, which works for small trailers and jet skis but not large boats or RVs. Towing also reduces range significantly, so you would need to plan charging stops every 150 to 200 miles. If you regularly tow heavy loads, a gas Range Rover is a better choice.