Land Rover ERAD e_Terrain Technologies

Land Rover ERAD e_Terrain Technologies review:

Land Rover`s engineers are now conducting real-world tests with some ground-breaking Diesel ERAD Hybrid vehicles, aimed at dramatically cutting CO2 and other emissions while still delivering characteristic Land Rover all-terrain performance. These engineering `mules` are based on Freelander 2 vehicles, but the technology is designed to be scalable and modular, so could be applied across a variety of Land Rover models and powertrains.

This programme is one of a broad range of sustainability-focused engineering programmes that Land Rover is pursuing, brought together by the company under the collective name e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES.

In addition to these Diesel ERAD Hybrids, Land Rover is developing a range of other emissions-busting and fuel-saving technologies that will start appearing on its production vehicles from now and over the next decade. These range from a stop-start function – which will be available next year as standard on all manual diesel Freelander 2 models – to other advanced hybrid systems and lightweight vehicle architectures.

"Our innovative ERAD technology featured in the LRX concept car unveiled earlier this year, and we`re now starting to deliver on our sustainability commitments with full, on-road prototypes," says Phil Popham, Land Rover`s Managing Director. "These Diesel ERAD Hybrids mark a crucial point for Land Rover, where engineering concept is seen to become reality and our vehicles start to combine their formidable all-terrain capability with our radical new e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES."

Diesel ERAD Hybrid overview

Land Rover`s Diesel ERAD Hybrid was developed as part of a multi-million-pound project supported by the UK Government`s Energy Saving Trust, under the low carbon research and development programme. The objective is to develop a `parallel` hybrid drive system compatible with all-terrain four-wheel-drive capability. As parallel hybrids, the vehicles can be driven solely by electric power or by the diesel engine, or by a combination of both. The system is designed to reduce CO2 by more than 20 per cent under the NEDC test cycle and to cut it by a substantial 30 per cent in `real-life` urban conditions where hybrid technologies really come into their own.

Under many circumstances, today`s generation of petrol electric hybrids are little more efficient than the best modern diesel engines without hybrid technology. So Land Rover`s ambition is to add the benefits of a full hybrid system to modern, clean and efficient diesel powertrains, giving a win-win situation. To help deliver this, Land Rover has developed its own, unique Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) system, which actually has the potential to enhance the vehicle`s all-terrain capability.
End of Land Rover ERAD e_Terrain Technologies review.