Tesla, you've got company.
The Jaguar I-Pace, introduced on Thursday by webcast, represents a giant leap forward for electric vehicles from a major auto maker.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche will likely soon be introducing all-electric vehicles, but Jaguar is out of the gates first with this all-wheel-drive crossover.
Combining practicality with sexy sports-car performance and design, Jaguar says the vehicle will range to 386 kilometres, accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and recharge to 80 per cent capacity in 40 minutes with a fast charger or just over 10 hours using a standard wall box.
Twin electric motors, aka e-machines, power the front and rear wheels to generate a combined 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque, plenty for fun on the track, let alone the Trans-Canada Highway. Torque split is 50-50 between front and rear, the engineering designed to maximize efficiency.
An arrangement with ChargePoint in the United States provides access to 46,000 charging stations. A separate deal for Canada is being negotiated.
Jaguar developed the motors, battery and design, though the vehicle is to be manufactured by a third party in Austria.
The sloping roofline reflects Jaguar’s trademark design language.
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Aside from feeding the 90 kWh battery, the regenerative braking system offers the option of single-pedal driving. Jaguar says that tech also contributes to the vehicle's efficiency. The warranty on the battery is eight years or 160,000 km.
Will it work in the Canadian winter? Jaguar says the I-Pace has been rigorously tested in temperatures as low as -40C, but gave no word on the effect of the cold on range.
The vehicle is to be delivered during the second half of 2018 in Canada and the United States, though reservations will be taken in advance. Three models – S, SE and HSE – will be available at launch, plus a First Edition model available exclusively in the coming model year.
Canadian pricing will be announced later this month.
Jaguar says the I-Pace’s aerodynamic performance is enhanced by a the low hood, sleek roofline and squared-off rear.
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The I-Pace is also introducing new technology to the brand:
- Amazon’s Alexa Skill enables owners at home to access information in the Jaguar InControl remote app.
- Matching Tesla’s capability, Jaguar-developed software-over-the-air lets owners update vehicle systems wirelessly.
- A Touch Pro infotainment system with two screens. EV navigation will work intuitively with the driver’s tendencies and factor in route topography to determine battery range.
Structured as something between a station wagon and sport utility vehicle, the I-Pace wheel base is 2.99 metres, and its length is 4.68 metres. The brand's trademark design language is characterized by the grille, sloping roofline (a panoramic glass roof is standard) and sweeping window frames.
The I-Pace’s wheel base is 2.99 metres long.
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The powertrain "offered us unprecedented design freedom," Jaguar director of design, Ian Callum, was quoted in a news release. "Starting with a clean sheet enabled the dramatic cab-forward profile, unique proportions and exceptional interior space – yet it is unmistakably a Jaguar."
The company says the I-Pace's aerodynamic performance is enhanced by a the low hood, sleek roofline and squared-off rear. The grille is designed to move air through the hood scoop and over the windshield to mitigate drag. The drag co-efficient is stated as 0.29Cd.
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