Efficient Electrified Adventures: Land Rover Discovery Sport Unveils Next-Generation Battery Technology in South Africa
The Discovery Sport, a marvel of modern engineering, is now breaking new ground in South Africa by seamlessly combining efficiency and capability. This exceptional vehicle boasts a harmonious fusion of cutting-edge electrified powertrains and advanced all-terrain chassis systems, promising an unparalleled driving experience.
Leading the charge is the P300e plug-in electric hybrid, setting a new standard with rapid DC charging as a standard feature. The P300e sits alongside a diesel engine variant, offering drivers a comprehensive range of choices. The Discovery Sport comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of chassis systems and advanced technologies, ensuring its ability to conquer any terrain while providing reassurance and enjoyment.
P300e Plug-in Electric Hybrid: Innovatively Efficient
The P300e plug-in electric hybrid stands as the pinnacle of the Discovery Sport lineup, delivering a remarkable blend of efficiency and performance. At its core lies a state-of-the-art 1.5-litre 147kW turbocharged three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, meticulously crafted from lightweight aluminium and weighing an astonishing 37kg less than its four-cylinder counterparts. Paired with an 80kW electric motor cleverly integrated into the rear axle, drawing power from a 14.9kWh lithium-ion battery discreetly housed beneath the rear seats, the P300e boasts a combined power output of 227kW.
This hybrid marvel grants serene electric-only driving capabilities, with a WLTP-certified electric range of up to 61km. With an anticipated real-world electric range of approximately 47km, over 90 per cent of daily journeys can be seamlessly completed in electric-only mode. For longer excursions, the electric hybrid extends its wings, offering a total real-world range of up to 634km, all while keeping CO2 emissions as low as 33g/km.
Convenience takes center stage with the P300e's 14.9kWh battery, featuring rapid DC charging capabilities as standard. Away from home, a mere 30 minutes on a 50kW DC public charger can boost the battery from 0-80 per cent, ensuring that your adventures are never delayed. On a 7kW AC home charger, a full charge takes just around two hours.
James Sanderson, the Lifecycle Chief Engineer for Discovery Sport, remarked, “Rapid DC charging isn't just for fully electric vehicles. By offering it as a standard feature for the Discovery Sport, we ensure that drivers have access to the most advanced and capable powertrain technologies, allowing for family adventures regardless of the terrain.”
The P300e Plug-in Electric Hybrid refuses to compromise on performance and capability, accelerating from 0-100km/h in a mere 6.6 seconds. Drivers can choose from three driving modes tailored to suit various driving conditions:
HYBRID mode (default): Seamlessly combines power from the electric motor and petrol engine, adapting to driving conditions and remaining battery charge. The Predictive Energy Optimization (PEO) function, activated when entering a destination in the navigation system, intelligently integrates route and GPS data to maximize efficiency and comfort on the selected journey.
EV (Electric Vehicle) mode: Enables the vehicle to run solely on electric power, utilizing energy stored in the battery for quiet, zero-emission journeys.
SAVE mode: Prioritizes the combustion engine as the primary power source, maintaining the battery's State of Charge at the chosen level. In SAVE mode, the vehicle harnesses regenerative braking and the engine, via the Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG), to recharge the battery. Remarkably, up to 80 per cent of charge can be restored in SAVE mode in just 90 minutes.
The three-cylinder engine also boasts the Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG), enhancing regenerative braking, recharging the battery during deceleration, and ensuring smooth, quiet, and fast start-stop operations.
Stay Connected and In Control
Owners of the Discovery Sport electric hybrid can stay seamlessly connected through the InControl Remote App. Whether at home or on the go, this app enables users to monitor the vehicle's charge status, prepare the vehicle for a journey, or schedule charging to leverage off-peak energy tariffs. Additionally, it allows for pre-conditioning the battery and cabin temperature before embarking on a journey, optimizing range and enhancing passenger comfort from the get-go.
Efficient and Dynamic Engines
The Discovery Sport offers both power and efficiency through its four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine, available in seven-seat configurations. The D200 seven-seat variant accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 8.9 seconds, while maintaining CO2 emissions as low as 161g/km and fuel consumption of 6.7l/100km. All powertrains are complemented by a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission and Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
The Discovery Sport range comprises the following models:
Petrol:
P300e – 227kW, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol plus electric motor, delivering 540Nm of torque at 2,000-2,500rpm.
Diesel:
D200 – 147kW, 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine generating 430Nm of torque at 1,750-2,500rpm.
All-Terrain Prowess
For uncompromised all-terrain capability and confident on-road dynamics, the Discovery Sport utilizes sophisticated suspension and chassis technologies. Every Discovery Sport comes equipped with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, All Terrain Progress Control, and Terrain Response 2®.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive ensures a secure drive on any surface, redistributing torque between the front and rear wheels on slippery terrains, such as grass and snow, to maximize traction.
All Terrain Progress Control simplifies challenging off-road conditions, maintaining a steady speed. Meanwhile, Hill Descent Control takes the guesswork out of steep slopes by keeping the vehicle's speed constant, applying brake pressure independently to each wheel.
Terrain Response 2® empowers drivers to select from various drive modes, optimizing vehicle performance based on terrain. These modes include Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, Eco, Dynamic, or an Auto mode that lets the Discovery Sport intelligently select the most suitable driving mode.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is redefining the boundaries of efficiency, performance, and versatility. Whether conquering rugged terrains or cruising city streets, this vehicle delivers an unparalleled driving experience.
Note: All specifications and data mentioned are as of September 2023 and may be subject to updates or changes by the manufacturer.
