Indeed, JLR has previously said the EMA has been designed to accommodate a range-extender unit, albeit with a small petrol engine.
The UK government’s decision earlier this year to extend the sale of all new hybrid cars from 2030 to 2035 is also likely to be factored into any decision.
If that approach is deemed too costly, JLR could instead make the third-gen Evoque EV-only while simultaneously updating the current second-gen model to keep it on sale as the nameplate’s combustion option.
Today’s Evoque is sold with mild-hybrid petrol, mild-hybrid diesel and plug-in hybrid options. A similar strategy is being employed by Porsche for the forthcoming Cayenne EV and by Mercedes for a range of new models including the GLC EQ and E-Class EQ.
However, it would mark a strategy change from the inbound Range Rover Electric and Range Rover Sport Electric, which are marketed as new variants of the existing generation.
Design
While its underpinnings are set for a radical overhaul, the Evoque’s design will probably be more of an evolution of today’s. Such an approach would mirror the progression seen when the second-generation model was launched in 2018.
However, the introduction of the skateboard EMA platform could change the model’s dimensions, suggested former CEO Thierry Bolloré previously.
The Frenchman said EMA would “bring a unique proportion and capabilities to the cars that we’re going to manufacture”. That is very much the case for the new Velar, and test mules suggest it will sport a new genre-bending body shape and potentially a third row of seats. However, it remains to be seen what it will mean for the Evoque.
There is no doubt that the EMA will increase the cabin space provided by the new Evoque, though, thanks to the platform’s flat floor design.
This is likely to translate into more rear passenger space and slightly more room in the boot, which currently has 591 litres of capacity – already among the best in its class.
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