JLR Explores New Petrol Engine Development Amid EV Strategy Scrutiny

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is drawing up proposals to develop a new range-extended electric vehicle using a small petrol engine, according to a January 25 report, signaling a potential tactical shift as the automaker faces criticism of its recent rebrand and broader industry concerns over electric vehicle demand. The reported vehicle, in early development stages, would use the petrol engine to charge its main battery. This comes despite JLR's prior "Reimagine" strategy to phase out older models for an all-electric lineup by 2030. The company recently parted ways with the designer behind its controversial rebrand and installed a new CEO, PB Balaji, in November 2025. JLR maintains its electric-only plans are "unchanged," with the first new electric Jaguar saloon, priced over £100,000, due later in 2026.