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Freelander 97 Debuts 800‑V EV Crossover in Shanghai. Chery‑JLR showcases ADS 4.1 autonomy on 800‑V platform, eyeing 2028 launch

Freelander 97 Debuts 800‑V EV Crossover in Shanghai

On April 1, 2026, Chery and Jaguar Land Rover unveiled the Freelander 97 concept in Shanghai, a premium electric crossover on an 800‑V platform with Huawei‑powered ADS 4.1 autonomy and CATL cells. It features three rows and suicide doors. U.S. pricing is expected between $68,000–$92,000, range 280–320 miles, and charging $45–$55 at 350 kW. Production is slated for June 2026, with a U.S. launch by 2028.

1 April 2026

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Ethan Whitaker
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TLDR:

  • Chery and Jaguar Land Rover unveiled the Freelander 97 concept in Shanghai, an electric crossover built on an 800‑V platform with Huawei ADS 4.1 autonomy.
  • US price likely $68‑$92k, 280‑320 mi range, $45‑$55 for 10‑80% charge at $0.56/kWh, and $2,840/year insurance (15% higher in Miami/Detroit).
  • If production materializes, Freelander 97 will challenge Rivian R1S, BMW iX and Genesis GV70 Electrified with 800‑V, lidar‑enabled ADS 4.1 and sub‑$75k pricing.

Chery and Jaguar Land Rover unveiled the Freelander 97 concept in Shanghai on May 15, 2025—a fully electric premium crossover targeting Chinese buyers who want Land Rover heritage with Chinese-scale manufacturing and battery technology.

This joint venture is betting on 800-volt architecture and premium off-road capability wrapped in Huawei-powered autonomy hardware. Chery handles production, Land Rover leads design, CATL supplies battery cells, and Huawei provides ADS 4.1 lidar and driver-assistance systems. It's a China-first product, but the tech roadmap—800 V fast charging, intelligent all-wheel drive, and lidar autonomy—previews what premium EVs will carry globally by 2028.

Design work involved teams in both Shanghai and the United Kingdom. Rear doors swing opposite-direction (suicide-style), three rows of seats, and a widescreen cockpit that echoes the Rivian R1S and Mercedes EQS SUV. It's a show-floor statement, not a production spec—yet. Final production specs arrive in June 2025.

If this lands stateside, here's what to expect:

  • MSRP: Not disclosed; comparable premium EV crossovers (Rivian R1S, BMW iX, Genesis GV70 Electrified) start at $68,000–$92,000 before destination.
  • EPA range: Not applicable to concept; expect 280–320 miles real-world once battery size is confirmed (likely 95–110 kWh pack).
  • Insurance: Average full-coverage for a premium EV runs $2,840/year nationally (2025 data)—add 15 % in Miami or Detroit.
  • Federal tax credit: Eligibility pending final battery assembly location; CATL cells likely disqualify it under current IRA rules unless JLR shifts final assembly.
  • 5-year depreciation: No data for concept; luxury EV crossovers lose 38–52 % in five years, per Kelley Blue Book.
  • Charging cost: At Electrify America's 350 kW peak rate ($0.56/kWh nationally), figure $45–$55 for 10–80 % if the pack is 95–110 kWh.

Freelander 97 remains a concept until production specs arrive in June, but its 800-V backbone, intelligent all-wheel-drive (i-ATS), and lidar-enabled ADS 4.1 autonomy are the same building blocks every premium EV will carry by 2028. If Chery and JLR decide to bring this stateside, it'll compete head-to-head with the Rivian R1S, BMW iX, and Genesis GV70 Electrified. Until then, buyers watch from the sidelines while China test-drives the future of luxury electric off-roaders.

For consumers tracking future options: this vehicle remains a concept with no launch confirmed outside China. But if it arrives with 300+ miles of range, lidar that works in Midwest snow, and a price under $75,000, expect your local Land Rover dealer to become a serious EV destination.

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