“Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice,” said Speth. “We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles.”
Speth’s announcement follows similar news from Volvo and adds to the growing momentum behind electric vehicles.
His comments were made at the car firm’s inaugural Tech Fest - a technology showcase at London’s St Martins College – where, as well as hosting debates on the future of mobility, it was also showcasing a number of existing and future electric models.
Amongst vehicles on display was the I-PACE concept – an all electric SUV that will go on sale in 2018.
Powered by a specially developed 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and an all-wheel drive system based on twin-electric motors with a combined output of 700Nm of torque and 400PS, the vehicle is claimed to have a range of more than 220 miles and can be charged in just over 2 hours.
Meanwhile, the company’s classic cars division demonstrated an all electric version of its iconic E-type roadster.
Based on an original converted 1968 series E-type, and engineered at the company’s new Classic Works in Warwickshire, the so called “E-type Zero” features a specially designed 220kW electric powertrain, and a lithium-ion battery pack which is around the same size and weight and is placed in precisely the same location as the 6-cylinder XK engine used in the original vehicle. The electric motor (and reduction gear) lies just behind the battery pack, in the same location as the E-type’s gearbox, whilst a new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive.
The company claims that the re-vamped E-type has a ‘real world’ range of 270km and can do 0-100km/h in jus 5.5sec, making it one second faster than the original.
Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said that the company is exploring plans to commercialise the technology “Our aim with E-type Zero is to future-proof classic car ownership,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market.”
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