Electrification is a reality. Following years of teasing with futuristic studies and a handful of niche models, car companies are finally committing fully to the electric car. The latest announcement has come from Jaguar Land Rover. Speaking at the inaugural Tech Fest in London today, the British premium marque said all its new cars will be electrified by 2020.
Chief executive officer Dr Ralf Speth believes it will give customers more choice, promising to introduce a portfolio of electrified products across the model range, thus “embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles”.
Jaguar Land RoverI-Pace is Jaguar’s first pure electric car, a premium SUV concept expected to be on the road in 2018
This will start with the I-Pace production car, a performance all-electric SUV that will go on sale next year. Jaguar has noted that the I-Pace is one of its most critical cars since the E-Type, which for Tech Fest has also been given the electric treatment and renamed E-Type Zero. Then, there is the Future-Type concept which looks way ahead to 2040 and beyond to explore the clean, fully-autonomous virtual Jaguar of the future.
Jaguar Land RoverE-Type Zero was engineered at JLR’s new ‘Classic Works’ in Warwickshire, UK
The unique combination creates a breathtaking driving sensation. Hannig explains: “To seamlessly combine the new electric powertrain of E-type Zero with the dynamic set-up of the original E-type specification, we have limited the vehicle’s power output. We believe this provides the optimum driving experience.”
Jaguar Land RoverStep inside the E-Type Zero all-electric car
The Future-Type also pays a little homage to Sayer for his name is at the heart of this visionary concept car. “Sayer” is a voice activated AI steering wheel that can carry out hundreds of tasks. The advanced speech recognition software will allow it to answer your questions, connect you to the news, organize your travel and select your entertainment. Sayer-the-wizard has a mind of its own – it can leave your car, live in your home and becomes your trusted companion.
Jaguar Land RoverJaguar Future-Type concept looks ahead to 2040 and beyond
Yet for now, we are excited to be seeing the I-Pace on the road soon. “This will be our first-ever battery-powered electric vehicle and opens a new chapter in our history,” director of Jaguar design Ian Callum told me when he first announced this critical car in December. “I believe electric cars are here for the next 100 years and will eventually replace the combustion engine.”
Gaxiola Coppel, Groupremier
Alejandro Gaxiola Coppel 