The New Freelander Electric SUV: Everything UK Drivers Need to Know
Image source: Chery-JLR
The Freelander is one of those names that never really goes away. Land Rover quietly discontinued it in 2014, but it remained a fixture in the used car market and, more importantly, in the memory of millions of UK drivers. Now it's back - but in a form that would have seemed unthinkable a decade ago: a fully electric SUV, built in partnership with one of China's biggest automotive groups, and sold as a standalone brand rather than under the Land Rover badge.
Here's a thorough breakdown of what we know so far, what it means for the UK EV market, and how employees could access the new Freelander EV through an electric car salary sacrifice scheme.
What Is the New Freelander Electric SUV?
The new Freelander has been revealed as the Concept 97 - a fully electric SUV developed through a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chery Automobile, one of China's largest vehicle manufacturers. Chery is the same group behind the Omoda and Jaecoo brands that have already begun making inroads into the UK market with competitive pricing.
Freelander now operates as a standalone brand, separate from Land Rover. Sales are set to begin in China before a planned European rollout, with the UK expected to be part of that expansion. The platform it sits on supports both fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, giving Freelander some flexibility as it targets different markets with varying charging infrastructure.
Visually, the Concept 97 draws clear inspiration from the original Freelander - the boxy proportions, upright stance, and split tailgate are all referenced - but the design is thoroughly modern. It sits in the mid-size SUV category, comparable in footprint to something like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or a compact Volvo ES90, though positioned at a more accessible price point. The interior is reported to take clear cues from Chinese EV design trends: large central screens, minimalist switchgear, and a focus on cabin space.
Why Is This Launch Significant for the UK EV Market?
The Freelander revival is part of a broader story: established European and British nameplates aligning with Chinese manufacturing to bring competitive electric vehicles to market at lower price points than traditional premium brands can achieve alone.
JLR's decision to partner with Chery - rather than develop the Freelander entirely in-house - reflects the cost realities of EV development. Chinese manufacturers have driven battery costs down significantly over the past decade, and that advantage is increasingly being shared with Western brands through joint ventures.
For UK drivers, this means more choice at more accessible price points in the electric SUV segment. The best value electric cars are increasingly arriving from partnerships like this one, and the Freelander's heritage gives it a brand recognition advantage that pure Chinese newcomers currently lack.
The timing is also notable. With the UK government's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate requiring manufacturers to grow their EV sales year-on-year, brands have strong commercial reasons to bring new electric models to market quickly. The Freelander platform's hybrid capability also gives JLR and Chery a route into markets where full EV infrastructure is not yet mature.
New Freelander EV: What We Know About Specs
Full technical specifications have not yet been confirmed for the UK market. Based on the Concept 97 reveal and the platform it shares, here is what is currently known or expected:
Platform: New dedicated EV architecture, co-developed by JLR and Chery. Supports fully electric and plug-in hybrid configurations.
Body style: Mid-size SUV, five-seat configuration. Upright, rugged-influenced design with modern EV proportions.
Powertrain: Expected to offer single and dual-motor configurations, with all-wheel drive likely on higher variants. Exact power outputs are unconfirmed ahead of production specification release.
Battery and range: Not yet officially stated for European markets. Given the platform and segment positioning, a range of 250–320 miles (WLTP) on the fully electric variant would be competitive, though this is speculative until official figures are released.
Charging: CCS rapid charging is standard for European-market EVs; the specific charge rate has not been confirmed. For context on charging speeds and what to expect, our beginner's guide to EV charging covers everything you need to know.
Pricing: No UK pricing has been announced. The goal of the JLR-Chery partnership is to bring the Freelander to market at a price point below Land Rover's own electric line-up. A starting price in the £35,000–£45,000 range would make it highly competitive in the electric SUV segment, though this is not confirmed.
We will update this article as official specifications are released ahead of the UK launch.
How Does the New Freelander Compare to Rival Electric SUVs?
The mid-size electric SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the UK market right now. Here's how the Freelander EV is expected to sit against some of the most popular alternatives:
| Model | Approx. Range | Starting Price (est.) | BiK Rate 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Freelander EV | 250–320 miles (est.) | £35,000–£45,000 (est.) | 4% |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 238–314 miles | £38,995 | 4% |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 283–342 miles | £38,275 | 4% |
| Kia EV6 | 239–328 miles | £38,195 | 4% |
| Tesla Model Y | 283–331 miles | £44,990 | 4% |
All fully electric cars share the same 4% BiK rate in 2026/27, which means the choice between models comes down to price, range, practicality, and personal preference rather than tax efficiency. Our guide to the best SUV electric cars covers the current top picks in detail.
For a broader look at which EVs represent the strongest all-round package for salary sacrifice, the best electric cars to salary sacrifice is worth exploring once UK pricing is confirmed for the Freelander.
The Freelander EV and Electric Car Salary Sacrifice: What UK Employees Need to Know
The most cost-effective way to get behind the wheel of a new electric SUV in the UK - including the Freelander EV when it arrives- is through an electric car salary sacrifice scheme.
What is electric car salary sacrifice?
Through a salary sacrifice scheme, an employee agrees to give up a portion of their gross salary each month in exchange for a fully inclusive electric car lease. Because the deduction comes from pre-tax pay, employees pay less income tax and National Insurance - producing savings of between 20% and 50% compared to a conventional personal lease.
The employer leases the car and the cost is recovered through the monthly payroll deduction. There is no net cost to the business to run the scheme.
Why is the BiK rate so important?
The Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax is what makes electric car salary sacrifice so compelling. For 2026/27, the BiK rate for fully electric cars sits at just 4% - compared to rates of up to 37% for high-emission petrol and diesel vehicles. Even as the BiK rate rises incrementally year-on-year (it reaches 9% by 2029/30), it remains dramatically lower than the equivalent for any combustion engine vehicle. You can read more about how BiK works in our dedicated Benefit-in-Kind guide.
What could I save on the Freelander EV through salary sacrifice?
Until UK pricing is confirmed, precise figures are not available - but we can illustrate the type of savings available using a comparable electric SUV. Use our EV savings calculator to model your own numbers once pricing is announced.
For a 40% taxpayer leasing an electric SUV at around £600 per month gross, a salary sacrifice scheme typically reduces the net monthly cost to around £380–£420 after income tax and National Insurance savings, offset against the 4% BiK charge. That represents a saving of £180–£220 per month compared to taking the same car on a personal lease.
For a 20% taxpayer, savings are more modest but still significant - typically in the 20–30% range.
Our salary sacrifice car lease explained page walks through the full mechanics in detail.
Is the Freelander EV Right for Salary Sacrifice?
For employees looking at a capable electric SUV through the electric car scheme, the Freelander has a compelling set of credentials on paper:
Heritage and recognisability. The Freelander name carries genuine brand equity in the UK. Many drivers who owned the original will be aware of the revival, which may make it easier to justify as a company car choice.
Competitive price positioning. If the Freelander EV lands in the £35,000–£45,000 bracket as expected, it sits in the sweet spot for salary sacrifice - accessible enough for a wide range of salary bands, but premium enough to represent a meaningful upgrade from a standard hatchback.
Practical SUV package. Mid-size SUVs remain the most popular vehicle category in the UK. For employees with families, active lifestyles, or regular long journeys, the Freelander's practicality will be a strong draw. Our guide to the best electric family cars to salary sacrifice covers the full field if you want to compare options now.
EV running costs. All electric vehicles cost significantly less to run than petrol equivalents - typically 3–5 times cheaper per mile when charging at home. Combined with the salary sacrifice tax saving, the total monthly outlay for an EV like the Freelander is likely to be lower than a comparable petrol SUV on a personal lease.
The JLR-Chery Partnership: What It Means for UK Buyers
Some potential buyers will have questions about the Chery partnership and what it means for build quality, after-sales support, and residual values. These are reasonable questions for any new entrant to the UK market.
Chery is not a minor player. The company sold over two million vehicles in 2024 and has significant manufacturing experience across both conventional and electric vehicles. The Omoda 5, already on sale in the UK, has received broadly positive early reviews, and the Jaecoo range is expanding. You can read more about those models in our Omoda and Jaecoo guide.
JLR's involvement provides engineering oversight and European market experience. The degree to which JLR's quality standards are applied to Freelander production will be a key question as more details emerge ahead of the European launch.
On residual values: this is one area where genuine uncertainty exists. New brands and revived nameplates typically carry stronger residuals than anonymous newcomers, but the Freelander will need to establish a track record in the used market before leasing companies price it with high confidence. Salary sacrifice lease terms are typically two to four years, which keeps drivers within manufacturer warranty periods and reduces exposure to long-term residual risk. Our guide to salary sacrifice early termination is worth reading if you want to understand how the scheme protects you on shorter terms.
Freelander EV: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the new Freelander a Land Rover? No. The new Freelander is a standalone brand, developed through a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery Automobile. It does not carry the Land Rover badge.
When will the new Freelander EV be available in the UK? Sales begin in China in 2026, with a European rollout planned to follow. No confirmed UK on-sale date has been announced as of April 2026.
How much will the new Freelander EV cost? UK pricing has not been confirmed. Based on the platform and positioning, a starting price in the £35,000–£45,000 range is expected, though this is not official.
What is the range of the new Freelander EV? Official range figures for European markets have not been released. Based on comparable platforms, a WLTP range of 250–320 miles on the fully electric variant is anticipated.
Can I get the Freelander EV through salary sacrifice? Yes, once it is available in the UK, the Freelander EV will be eligible for electric car salary sacrifice. With the 2026/27 BiK rate at 4%, employees can save 20–50% compared to a personal lease. Use our EV savings calculator to see what you could save.
What is the BiK rate for the Freelander EV? All fully electric cars are taxed at a 4% Benefit-in-Kind rate in 2026/27. This rises by 1% per year to 5% in 2027/28, then by 2% increments to 9% by 2029/30 — still far below the maximum 37% rate for high-emission petrol vehicles.
Is the Freelander EV good for families? Based on the Concept 97 reveal, the new Freelander is a mid-size SUV with five seats and a practical boot. Full dimensions and family-specific features have not yet been confirmed. See our best electric cars for families for current options.
What is the difference between the Freelander EV and the Land Rover Defender? The Defender is a Land Rover product, positioned as a premium off-road-capable SUV starting above £55,000. The new Freelander is a separate brand, positioned below Land Rover in terms of price and off-road intent, and is aimed more at everyday SUV use. The Jaguar Land Rover salary sacrifice page covers JLR's existing electric line-up.
How to Get an Electric SUV Through The Electric Car Scheme
Whether you are waiting for the Freelander EV to arrive or want to get into an electric SUV sooner, The Electric Car Scheme makes the process straightforward for both employees and employers.
For employees, the process works like this: your employer signs up to offer the scheme, you select your vehicle from the full range available, and the monthly lease cost is deducted from your gross salary. The result is a tax-efficient, fully inclusive package - covering the car, servicing, maintenance, and insurance - for a net monthly cost that is typically 20–50% less than a personal lease.
For employers, there is no net cost to running the scheme. It improves your employee benefits offering, supports ESG goals, and comes with Complete Employer Protection from day one - meaning you are covered if an employee leaves mid-contract. The Electric Car Scheme was named the UK's Best Salary Sacrifice Provider for 2025 by Car Sloth, recognising its pricing, range, and customer service.
Use our EV savings calculator to see exactly what you could save on a new electric SUV. Or, if your employer does not yet offer the scheme, our guide on why your employer should sign up gives you the information to make the case.
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Last updated: 12/04/2026
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme's terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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