New plug-in hybrid SUVs: Evoque and Discovery Sport P300e PHEV

Things get interesting among the new plug-in hybrid SUVs with the arrival of the P300e PHEV versions of the Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Both feature a plug-in hybrid propulsion system that combines a modern three-cylinder petrol engine of 1.5 litres and 200 CV with an electric motor of 109 CV, delivering a total system output of 309 CV and a maximum torque of 540 Nm.

Up to 66 km of electric-only range and CERO label

The battery is located under the rear seats. Thanks to its 15 kWh capacity, it allows an electric-only range of up to 62 km in the case of the Discovery Sport, and up to 66 km for the Evoque. Combined-cycle consumption is 1.6 and 1.4 l/100 km respectively. In terms of performance, the Discovery Sport needs just 6.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, and 6.4 seconds in the case of the Evoque.

Both versions offer fast-charging compatibility. This reduces the battery charging time, which would take 7 hours and 40 minutes from a domestic socket, to around 30 minutes to reach 80% charge at a public charging point with 32 kW of power. Using a Wallbox with 7 kW, the charging time is one and a half hours.

Both versions, the Evoque P300e PHEV and the Discovery Sport P300e PHEV, carry the DGT CERO environmental label, and join the eco-friendly range of the English manufacturer, which already includes Mild Hybrid versions and ECO labels on its two SUVs.

Image gallery Range Rover Evoque P300e PHEV

The PHEV technology of Land Rover

Both SUVs use the new PHEV architecture of Land Rover, which includes the electric motor integrated into the rear axle, allowing four-wheel drive to be maintained. When the car moves in electric mode it does so with rear-wheel drive, while in hybrid mode it can operate with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Power is transmitted through a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, instead of the 9-speed unit used in other versions of the range. The modifications include an electronically controlled braking system that, for decelerations below 0.2 g, recovers energy through regenerative braking.

A high-voltage connection module, together with the DC converter, the inverter and the 7 kW on-board charger, is located under the front seats.

The driver has three operating modes: a HYBRID programme that automatically combines the operation of both motors, an EV mode for driving on electric power alone, and SAVE mode, which reserves the battery charge.

The price of the Range Rover Evoque P300e PHEV starts at 51,960 euros for the base trim, and at 50,510 euros in the case of the Discovery Sport P300e PHEV.

Image gallery Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e PHEV