London  - The electrically-powered Range Rover is on its way after a newly-founded British producer announced investments of 30 million pounds (60 million dollars) to re-engineer the luxury cross- country vehicle.

The Oxford-based Liberty Electric Cars Ltd said it would design and manufacture a unique electric drivetrain platform to power a wide range of large vehicles, which it says will have the flexibility to incorporate emerging technologies.

Annual vehicle production, which will include an electrically powered Range Rover, will, the company said, be in "tens of thousands" by 2012.

Vehicle prices will range between 95,000 and 125,000 pounds, depending on model and specification.

The firm said it had already taken orders and was looking for a new manufacturing base in southern Britain, creating 250 new jobs.

"The Liberty Electric Range Rover takes electric vehicle technology into a new sector, to large luxury cars that people aspire to drive, particularly in cities and urban environments where environmental controls are becoming increasingly tighter," said Barry Shrier, the founder of Liberty Electric.

The cars would incorporate state of the art energy storage and management systems and deliver superior performance and acceleration compared with existing technology, said the firm.

Liberty Electric cars would have an extended driving range and shorter recharge times, powering their way through 320 kilometres before requiring a top-up. (dpa)