By NOOR QURASHI, NEWS REPORTER
Keir Starmer is unable to switch to an electric version of the armoured Range Rover - because it does not offer 'adequate bomb protection'.
The Prime Minister must now stick to a petrol version of the vehicle for the foreseeable future as 'required safety levels' cannot otherwise be reached.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) - Britain's largest carmaker - has admitted electric modes of transport do not provide the level of 'blast protection' that might be hoped.
The issue was addressed in written responses to a government consultation on EV (electric vehicle) sales rules.
Documents obtained via FOI by the Fast Charge newsletter showed JLR had lobbied the UK government to soften targets that required them to sell more EVs each year.
The company stated armoured cars ought to be excluded from the targets, known as the zero emission vehicle mandate, because it 'does not see any workable engineering solution to the challenged surrounding an armoured BEV [Battery EV], primarily because the required safety levels and blast protection cannot be achieved'.
Armoured vehicles are a small but profitable part of carmakers' business. Normally, the transport will have bulletproof glass, armour plating, and 'bomb blankets' under the floor.
This can add hundreds of kilograms of weight.
Keir Starmer has been banned from driving around in his armoured electric Range Rover - because it does not offer 'adequate bomb protection'
Vehicles are manufactured in Solihull, West Midlands, and then converted by JLR's special vehicle operations department. Pictured: Dealership sign of Jaguar Land Rover
Keir Starmer and Rachel reeves visited the Jaguar Land Rover automobile manufacturing plant in Solihull earlier this year
Electric vehicles are likely to include more added weight from battery cells, range issues and time needed to recharge.
The recent admission on EV vehicles means Keir Starmer will no longer be able to journey in his armoured Range Rover Sentinels.
Despite JLR's assessment, German rival BMW has insisted its electric i7 Protection saloon offers 'special armouring' in the floor and ceiling to shield against explosives on the ground and those carried by drones.
The UK government is the main customer in Britain for its armoured vehicles, JLR has said.
Vehicles are manufactured in Solihull, West Midlands, and then converted by JLR's special vehicle operations department.
It is understood Mr Starmer's fleet of vehicles have five-litre V8 engines designed to allow heavy cars to speed off if threatened.
The prime ministerial fleet also includes non-electric, German-made armoured Audi A8 saloon cars, replacing the Jaguar XJ after the model was discontinued.
JLR was contacted for comment.
