Jaguar I-Pace concept car shows the future is electric, quick and practical

I-Pace by Jaguar shows future is electric

The Jaguar I-Pace concept vehicle is the start of a new era for Jaguar.  This is a production preview of the Jaguar I-Pace, which will be revealed next year, then be on the road in production form in 2018.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: “The I-Pace Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design.  It’s a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship.”

Jaguar’s classic slogan mentioned “pace”, but never before has Jaguar pace been electric.  It shows that Jaguar also agrees the future is electric.

Jaguar’s first SUV only launched this year, and it paves the Jaguar SUV acceptance way for the I-Pace.

VR media launch

“Our virtual reality reveal today has pushed technology boundaries as well, and captures the hi-tech essence of the concept car.  We only have one concept car and it is in LA for the reveal.  For the first time VR [Virtual Reality] has allowed us share it across the globe in the most immersive way possible.”

Participants experienced the car being built around them, speeding towards them and appearing to fall to Earth from another planet – clearly signalling the future-forward nature of the revolutionary Jaguar.

Dr Wolfgang Ziebart, Technical Design Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said: "This is an uncompromised electric vehicle designed from a clean sheet of paper: we’ve developed a new architecture and selected only the best technology available.  The I- Pace Concept fully exploits the potential EVs [Electric Vehicles] can offer in space utilisation, driving pleasure and performance.”

The result is a no-compromise smart 5-seat sports car and a performance SUV in one.

Electric motors provide immediate response

The electric motors and 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack were designed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover to give the best possible performance and range for most daily commutes.

For rapid charging, using a public 50kW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over 2 hours, which is enough to deliver an estimated 350 km range (measured on the US EPA test cycle).

The I- Pace Concept transforms the electric driving experience and offers the driver-focused performance and response Jaguar is renowned for.  To help deliver this, the I-Pace has electric motors on the front and rear axles.  Their combined output is 294kW (400hp) and, at 700Nm, a higher torque rating than today’s F-Type SVR sports car.

Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions.  Their superior torque delivery compared to internal combustion engines transforms the driving experience.  With so much torque and the traction benefits of all-wheel drive, the I-Pace Concept accelerates from 0-96km/h (60mph) in around 4 seconds.

Digital craftsmanship

The interior of the I-Pace Concept is finished with beautiful, premium materials and an unwavering attention to detail.  Throughout the interior you will discover a host of beautiful details to surprise and delight – from the expansive panoramic glass roof to the sporting, beautifully finished seats, every feature bears the hallmark of British craftsmanship.

And there is “digital craftsmanship” too, with 2 touch-screens serving up information when and where you need it, limiting distraction and improving the driving experience.

By 2020 the company will offer customers the option of electrification on half of all its new cars, Dr Ralf Speth (CEO) confirmed.

Click on “I want one”

Jaguar Land Rover South Africa will also be part of the journey for a cleaner future.  The all-electric I-Pace will go on sale locally in Spring 2018, and will be available through the company’s growing network of premium retail facilities. 

Customers interested in the I-Pace can visit jaguar.co.za and hit the “I want one!” button to reserve their spot in the electric revolution (and perhaps help JLR to gauge market demand) and opt in to be kept informed.