Jaguar Land Rover Postpones Electric Vehicle Launches Amid Market Uncertainty and Strategic Testing

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the UK’s largest car manufacturer, is postponing the launch of several of its upcoming electric models, citing the need for extended testing and a desire to wait for stronger market demand. The electric version of the Range Rover, originally slated for release in late 2025, will now be delivered in 2026, according to letters sent to customers.

Insiders also suggest delays to two highly anticipated electric Jaguar models, which gained attention following a bold pink-and-blue rebranding campaign. These vehicles were initially intended to relaunch Jaguar as a premium, electric-only brand targeted at affluent, younger buyers. Production of the first model, internally known as the Type 00, is now expected to begin in August 2026, with a second model potentially not arriving until late 2027. Both are expected to carry price tags above £100,000.

An electric Range Rover Velar is now targeted for April 2026, though it could face further delays. Similarly, an all-electric version of the Defender is tentatively planned for early 2027.

JLR’s more cautious approach to electrification sets it apart from other luxury automakers. Although this strategy once risked financial penalties under the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, that pressure has eased following recent rule changes influenced by automaker lobbying.

The company is also navigating external challenges, including a 15.1% drop in sales during the second quarter of 2025, largely due to a temporary halt in US exports triggered by tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration. In response, JLR has opened a voluntary redundancy program affecting up to 500 managers to reduce costs.

Despite these challenges, JLR has remained profitable for 10 consecutive quarters. Executives say the delay in electric model launches could be beneficial, allowing time to maintain sales of profitable petrol and hybrid models and align with the ramp-up of battery production from Tata’s new facility in Somerset, expected to be operational by late 2027.

A JLR spokesperson reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to electrification, stating: “By 2030, JLR will offer electric versions of all its luxury brands. Our product plans are designed to adapt to evolving client and market needs, and we will launch new models when the time is right.”

The delay strategy, while unconventional, reflects both internal manufacturing readiness—these will be the first EVs built in-house—and external political dynamics. Trump’s opposition to electric vehicle expansion in the US, coupled with a cooling relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, may have further influenced JLR’s timeline.

Source:
The Guardian