Freelander 8 extended-range EV still possible for Australia

Freelander hasn't ruled out a range-extender version of the Freelander 8 for Australia, with its local lineup still to be finalised.

Speaking to CarExpert in China, Freelander's head of brand for Australia and New Zealand, Kym Mellow, was asked why Australia wasn't getting the range-extender.

"We haven't committed on the model range yet for Australia," he said.

Asked about the international model's 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid system, he said: "That is definitely the one confirmed".

He didn't confirm an Australian launch for the range-extender or give an arrival date.

The international plug-in hybrid unveiled by Freelander differs from the Chinese-market range-extender previously covered by CarExpert.

In Middle East specification, the left-hand-drive plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with two electric motors and a 34.12kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.

Freelander claims 460kW of power and 662Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds.

It claims at least 110km of electric range and at least 886km with a full tank and charged battery, both on the WLTC test cycle.

The Chinese-market EREV features a 115kW/220Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine which is used to charge the battery. A pair of electric motors – a 360kW/338Nm front unit and a 250kW/475Nm one at the rear – drive the wheels.

The Freelander 8 EREV uses a significantly larger 60.3kWh ternary lithium battery, with electric range of 310km under the CLTC cycle.

The claimed 0-100km/h time is 4.6 seconds.

The Freelander 8 will debut the JLR-Chery brand in Australia in 2027. Mr Mellow reaffirmed the timing to be sometime in the second half of 2027, but didn't give a month.

Australian pricing, warranty coverage, and the final model lineup remain unannounced.

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