Range Rover Evoque to become radical EV in 2027

The 800V skateboard architecture has been designed with electric power as its primary focus. It will use motors built in-house and batteries from parent company Tata's Agratas battery plant in Somerset, which is scheduled to open in 2027 after work started this summer.

Specific powertrain details for the electric Evoque are still under wraps, but given that rivals such as the new Mercedes-Benz GLA EV are tipped to offer more than 450 miles of range, the new Evoque will need to be competitive with that. Quick charging times will be available courtesy of the EMA's 800V system.

It is possible that the new Evoque and other EMA-based cars could also be fitted with electrified combustion drivetrains to boost appeal, given JLR's decision last year to ramp up plug-in hybrid production amid the global slowdown in interest of pure EVs and a "surprising" rise in PHEV demand.

Indeed, JLR has previously said the EMA has been designed to accommodate a range-extender unit, albeit with a small petrol engine.

The UK government's decision earlier this year to extend the sale of all new hybrid cars from 2030 to 2035 is also likely to be factored into any decision.

If that approach is deemed too costly, JLR could instead make the third-gen Evoque EV-only while simultaneously updating the current second-gen model to keep it on sale as the nameplate's combustion option.

Today's Evoque is sold with mild-hybrid petrol, mild-hybrid diesel and plug-in hybrid options. A similar strategy is being employed by Porsche for the forthcoming Cayenne EV and by Mercedes for a range of new models including the GLC EQ and E-Class EQ.

However, it would mark a strategy change from the inbound Range Rover Electric and Range Rover Sport Electric, which are marketed as new variants of the existing generation.

Design

While its underpinnings are set for a radical overhaul, the Evoque's design will probably be more of an evolution of today's. Such an approach would mirror the progression seen when the second-generation model was launched in 2018.

However, the introduction of the skateboard EMA platform could change the model's dimensions, suggested former CEO Thierry Bolloré previously.

The Frenchman said EMA would "bring a unique proportion and capabilities to the cars that we're going to manufacture". That is very much the case for the new Velar, and test mules suggest it will sport a new genre-bending body shape and potentially a third row of seats. However, it remains to be seen what it will mean for the Evoque.

There is no doubt that the EMA will increase the cabin space provided by the new Evoque, though, thanks to the platform's flat floor design.

This is likely to translate into more rear passenger space and slightly more room in the boot, which currently has 591 litres of capacity - already among the best in its class.

The interior is expected to continue to feature upmarket materials and adopt a minimalist, tech-centric layout.

The EMA's 800V architecture will mean driver assistance and cloud connectivity advancements will also be possible, in line with what is already offered by Audi, BMW and Mercedes rivals.