JLR To Revive Freelander As EV In China

In collaboration with Chery Automobile, Jaguar Land Rover is set to relaunch the Freelander as a made-in-China electric vehicle. However, this time around a series of EVs will be launched under the ‘Freelander’ name. Once launched, the Freelander range of four-wheelers will compete with Chinese domestic brands like BYD and Great Wall Motor. 

The Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque are a result of the 12-year-old joint venture. Initially domestic, the products will be exported globally “over time”. “[The new line of electric cars will be] independent from both Chery’s existing portfolio and JLR’s modern luxury House of Brands,” JLR said in a statement. Apart from EVs, CJLR will continue to manufacture a mix of ICE vehicles. 

The companies have not revealed the starting timeline for Freelander’s production. In ICE format, the Freelander SUV was available from 1997 to 2015, only to be replaced by Discovery Sport in 2016.

JLR will make a 60% shift to EVs by 2030 under the ‘Reimagine’ strategy. As for JLR’s India plans, the local assembly of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will begin soon. 

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