Jaguar’s first electric car, the I-PACE is coming 2018

Jaguar has unleashed its first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE, onto the streets for the first time. The car was driven around the streets of London’s famous Olympic Park. Although the performance SUV is just a concept at this stage, Jaguar have confirmed they’re actually building it and will ship it late next week.

The Director of Design at Jaguar, Ian Callum said,

“The feedback on the I-PACE Concept has been fantastic. With the I-PACE Concept we’ve torn up the rule book to create a vehicle with supercar inspired aesthetics, sports car performance and SUV space, in one electric package. It has surprised people and the enthusiasm for our first electric vehicle has been beyond all my expectations.

“Driving the concept on the streets is really important for the design team. It’s very special to put the car outside and in the real-world. You can see the true value of the I-PACE’s dramatic silhouette and powerful proportions when you see it on the road, against other cars. The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design. For me, the future of motoring has arrived.”

The I-PACE will be a long distance sprinter that accelerates to 100kph in around 4 seconds, with a range of more than 500km (NEDC cycle) from the 90kWh lithium-ion battery. This immediately draws comparison to the Tesla Model X which is available in 75 – 100kWh models. With a 500km range, the car would be well suited to Australia’s vast distances between cities and regional towns.

Jag say they have fast charging sorted with a the ability to grab a quick and easy 80% charge in just 90 minutes using 50kW DC charging. This raises the question of recharge locations and more broadly charging standards, something still not well evolved in the auto industry. Best case scenario is that Jaguar, make a deal with Tesla for use of their supercharger network, worst case, you have to trickle charge at home or wait for government infrastructure (don’t hold your breath).

Compact, lightweight electric motors at the front and rear axles generate a combined output of 295kW and 700Nm of torque, with the all-weather benefits of all-wheel drive. The I-PACE will also deliver the agility, ride comfort and refinement that will set it apart from all other electric vehicles: it will be a true Jaguar and a true drivers’ car. We’re going to need to get behind the wheel to substantiate those claims.

To be one of the first owners go to www.jaguar.com.au  and click the ‘I want one’ button.