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Jaguar’s first electric vehicle – the Jaguar I-PACE – has hit the streets for the first time in London as the luxury car maker joined the growing league of auto companies exploring the great potential in emission-free electric vehicles (EVs).
This is coming ahead of its official unveiling later in the year before being launched into the market in the second half of 2018 as the electric performance SUV concept, which previews the Jaguar I-PACE, was driven on the streets of London’s famous Olympic Park.
And the Director of Design, Jaguar, Ian Callum, is quite excited at the feedback his design team is getting about the I-PACE Concept.
“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,” he said.
Designed as a long distance sprinter that accelerates to 60 mph in around 4 seconds, the I-PACE comes with a range of more than 500km (NEDC cycle) from the 90kWh lithium-ion battery. Its charging is easy and quick, with 80 per cent charge achieved in just 90 minutes using 50kW DC charging.
Compact, lightweight electric motors at the front and rear axles generate a combined output of 400PS and 700Nm of torque, with the all-weather benefits of all-wheel drive. The company said 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.
