Land Rover is stepping firmly into the electric future with its first medium-size all-electric SUV, set to launch in 2026. And from the looks of it, this could be the successor to the Velar. Reinvented as a luxurious all-electric model, the upcoming SUV will take direct aim at rivals like the Porsche Macan EV. It’s not just an update — it’s a complete transformation.
Platform
The new electric SUV will be the first product built on JLR’s next-generation Electrified Modular Architecture, or EMA. This fresh skateboard-style platform is engineered specifically for EVs and forms the foundation for a new era of electric Land Rovers.
While the EMA was initially expected to support hybrid powertrains, Land Rover has now confirmed that the new Velar, along with the upcoming Evoque and Discovery Sport replacements, will be electric only. That’s a bold step for a brand that has taken its time with electrification so far.
Production
Production of the electric Velar will begin later this year at Land Rover’s Halewood facility in the UK. The plant is currently being overhauled and converted into an EV manufacturing hub to support the new generation of battery-powered SUVs.
Once completed, the Halewood plant won’t just be producing the Velar successor. It will also roll out electric versions of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport in the near future. This move marks a significant shift in JLR’s manufacturing strategy, transitioning legacy platforms to fully electric operations.
Market Positioning
The upcoming Velar EV isn’t just another addition to the electric SUV space — it’s designed to go head-to-head with premium rivals like the Porsche Macan EV. That means buyers can expect high levels of refinement, cutting-edge tech, and a performance-focused setup that blends style and capability.
By making the new model electric-only and placing it in the luxury mid-size segment, Land Rover is targeting an increasingly competitive slice of the EV market where brand image, tech, and range matter just as much as driving feel.
JLR’s EV Journey
Up until now, JLR’s electric journey has been slow. The Jaguar I-Pace was the company’s first full-electric model, and while it had its share of fans, it never truly took off against heavyweight EV brands. A fully electric Range Rover was also launched, but with a limited offering.
Now, the company is clearly going all-in. EMA represents a major leap forward — not just in terms of product, but in mindset. With the Velar’s successor leading the charge, JLR is setting itself up for a cleaner, battery-driven future.
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| EMA platform revealed | 2021 |
| Halewood plant EV upgrade | Ongoing |
| Production of electric Velar begins | Late 2025 |
| Launch of Velar EV | 2026 |
| Evoque and Discovery Sport EVs follow | Post-2026 |
The electric Velar will be the first SUV on this EMA platform to hit the road, and it signals a massive shift in Land Rover’s identity. With no hybrid options, no internal combustion fallback, and production already in motion, the brand is finally accelerating its EV game.
FAQs
When will the electric Velar launch?
It’s expected to launch in 2026.
Where will the EV be produced?
At the revamped Halewood plant in the UK.
What platform will it use?
It will use the new EMA electric-only platform.
Will the Velar EV have a hybrid version?
No, it will be a fully electric model only.
Who are its main rivals?
The Porsche Macan EV is its primary competitor.
