The electric SUV I-Pace is just the beginning. Until 2020 is in half of the series of Jaguar Land Rover a battery-powered engine to take over at least part of the drive work. This should also help the British achieve their CO2 goals.
The Jaguar I-Pace, which was recently presented as a study at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is already celebrating its premiere with 2017. However, the emission-free Allrader is only to be launched at the end of 2018, then at prices between 70.000 and 80.000 Euro. The concept car presented in the USA is visually and technically not far away from the production car; the manufacturer speaks of 95 percent close to production. One renounces only on details such as the 23 inch wheels or the slightly futuristic seats, explains Jaguar Land Rover Germany boss Peter Modelhart.
Accordingly, not much should change in technology. Propulsion is provided by two electric motors with 400 PS power and 700 Nm of torque - from the first turn. The with 90 kWh quite large traction battery is to allow ranges up to 500 kilometers. Quite suitable for everyday use, where Jaguar sees the role of electric SUV rather than second to four-car solvent customers. For Modelhart, the I-Pace is still more than an image project for the collector garage: "It will be a car for every day."
How Jaguar wants to distribute the group's first electric vehicle is still unclear. Other manufacturers have offered their e-flagship at the beginning only at selected dealers. On the other hand, there will be no special distribution channels for the likewise announced plug-in hybrid models of the two brands. Which vehicles are electrified exactly, however, is not yet known. It is equally unclear whether the sister brand Land Rover will receive an electric car in addition to Jaguar. For the introduction of the sedan and sports car brand have been decided on two reasons, so Modelhart. On the one hand because of the generally lower vehicle weight at Jaguar, on the other hand, because of the more appropriate image in the innovative and sporty positioned brand.
Probably, however, it should also be volume series such as Jaguar XE and Range Rover Evoque. The fuel-saving technology should help the manufacturer to reach future CO2 limits. Until 2020, Jaguar Land Rover wants and has to reduce emissions from its vehicles sold by around 25 percent to 132 grams per kilometer.
(Holger Holzer / SP-X)