Land Rover and Chery to relaunch Freelander as an all-electric brand in China

Land Rover is bringing back the iconic Freelander nameplate, this time as a fully electric brand developed through its long-standing partnership with Chinese automaker Chery. The revival marks a fresh chapter in Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) strategy to expand its electric mobility options, particularly in the fast-growing Chinese market. Formed in 2012, the Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) joint venture was valued at roughly R47 billion and included production facilities and a research and development centre in Changshu. In 2024, the companies expanded their agreement to co-develop electric vehicles, granting CJLR rights to use the Freelander name.

The new electric Freelander is expected to make its public debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on 31 March 2026, following teaser images and spy shots that have surfaced online. Built on a Chery platform, the upcoming model will reportedly feature a range of electrified powertrains, including range extender electric vehicles (REEVs). While early plans limited sales to China, reports now suggest that the United Kingdom—the historic home of the Freelander—will also receive the model.

The original Freelander, launched in 1997, was celebrated as Land Rover’s compact four-wheel drive and took part in the 1998 Camel Trophy. Its production ended in 2014 after nearly one million units sold worldwide, paving the way for the Discovery Sport and inspiring the Range Rover Evoque. The new electric iteration signals Land Rover’s return to a familiar nameplate with modern energy, focusing on sustainability and urban mobility for a new generation of drivers.