JLR is making a fully-electric version of the Range Rover flagship SUV. And before they release it to the market, the brand wants to make sure the electric version can be just as tough as its combustion-engined counterparts.

The Range Rover Electric is currently being tested in the United Arab Emirates. With its desert dunes home to one of the world’s most unforgiving climates, vehicle performance and efficiency of the flagship electric SUV are being intensively tested to ensure the entire electric drive system is reliably temperature-controlled and built to support longevity and optimum range.

The thermal management system of the Range Rover Electric is being evaluated in ambient temperatures reaching over 50 degrees Celsius and up to 90 percent humidity. JLR wants to make sure maximum cabin comfort and vehicle capability is achieved whether you’re out in the desert climbing sand dunes, or being out in the urban jungle.

Part of the test involves climbing Dubai’s greatest desert hill climb in Sharjah’s Al Badayer desert called “Big Red”. It’s a natural 300ft dune formation where all Range Rover vehicles are subjected to completing the ascent five times without showing any reduction in performance before proceeding to the next testing stage. JLR is happy to report that the Range Rover Electric completed the feat with flying colors.

This marks a significant stage in the development of the Range Rover as preparations continue to refine and craft the epitome of Range Rover luxury before accepting client reservations by 2025.

“A hot climate is one of the most challenging for any battery electric vehicle, because of the need to cool the cabin and optimize battery performance at the same time. The additional challenge of driving on sand requires controlled low-speed torque, so our specially developed traction control and thermal management systems work in harmony to ensure power delivery is unaffected. Our tests have shown that in this climate, repeatedly driving the equivalent of 100 meters uphill on fine sand, Range Rover Electric matches the performance of its ICE equivalents; in some instances, even surpassing them – thanks to the introduction of these new features,” said Thomas Müller, Executive Director, Product Engineering.