Land Rover Shows Hybrid Tech

What Land Rover's Land_e concept lacks in style - there's almost no bodywork to speak of - it more than makes up for in function. The Land_e is a showcase for a variety of hybrid-electric technologies, collectively known as the e-Terrain System, that could potentially lead to a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy. In a Freelander-sized Land Rover production model, that could mean a fuel economy rating approaching 50 mpg. Even more significantly, the company claims that most of these technologies will be available on Land Rovers in the next few years.

In order to ensure Land Rover's off-road prowess remains intact, and in contrast to some current four-wheel-drive hybrids that use electric drive only at the rear axle, the Land_e's Electric Rear Axle Drive system transmits power from both the engine and the electric motor to the rear wheels. The Propshaft with Seamless Re-connect system can reduce rotational losses by automatically disconnecting drive to the rear wheels when conditions allow, such as cruising on a dry surface. An Integrated Starter-Generator system saves fuel by eliminating idling, capability with fuels of up to 25 percent biodiesel further reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and an improved Terrain Response system now contains an e-Mode to optimize fuel economy for on-road use.