Jaguar Releases First Electric Vehicle
Jaguar has just unveiled its first electric vehicle, an SUV called the I-Pace. As the motoring world begins to change, news of electric vehicles from all over the globe arrives thick and fast. With the rate that it’s going now, country musicians will soon be writing songs about their truck leaving them.
Major dealerships are adapting, electrifying their fleet in an attempt to fight a growing emissions problem. Jaguar Land Rover, for one, has stated its strong commitment to a future of electric vehicles. In the I-Pace, both all-electric and hybrid models will be landing in South Africa any time from 2019.
The I-Pace will be making its first public appearance on 6 March at the Geneva Motor Show, where electric vehicles will take centre-stage. Jag’s new offering will be available in S, SE, HSE and First Edition derivatives.
Technology Features
This may be the world’s smartest five-seater sports car. In the I-Pace, Jaguar introduces the Touch Pro Duoinfotainment system. The Touch Pro Duo utilizes a combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls to create one truly connected car.
We’re also getting a new EV satnav, which evaluates the landscape of the route toward your destination. It gives you insight into previous journeys, including your driving style, to calculate the range and battery charge status. The system uses AI algorithms, called Smart Settings, to identify your driving preferences. TheI-Pace will then adjust the driving experience and interior settings accordingly.
Another great feature is the Driver Assist Pack, which offers a wide range of aids in addition to the standard features. These may include Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, 360° Surround Camera, High-Speed Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Assist.
The new Jaguar will also have an Amazon Alexa on board.
“This means owners will be able to ask an Alexa-enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app,” said the company. “For example: Is my car locked? What is the charging level? Do I have enough range to get to work?”
I-Pace will be the first ever Jaguar to provide software wireless over-the-air updates to ensure that customers have the latest software, from infotainment to battery control to telematics.
It’s In The Design
The interior design is clean and uncluttered. Jaguar has stated that the sleek, coupe-like silhouette is influenced by the Jaguar C-X75 supercar, featuring a short, low bonnet, aero-enhanced roof design and curved rear screen.
The highly aerodynamic design, with a low drag coefficient of 0.29Cd, slices cleanly through the air.
In the back, with no transmission tunnel, there’s a 10.5l central storage compartment and legroom is 890mm. There’s a storage area for tablets and laptops beneath the seats and boot-space of around 656l capacity. When you fold the seats down, you’ve got 1453l.
So, the I-Pace is both intuitive and spacious.
Also read: Car Review: Jaguar E-PACE
Jaguar And The Electrifying Engine
The I-Pace will be fully compatible with public DC Rapid Chargers (100kW) which are currently being rolled out in the UK. Jaguar has said that owners will be able to achieve a 0-80% battery charge in about an hour and a half using normal 50kW DC Chargers. If you’re charging at home through an AC plug, it will achieve the same amount of charge in around 10 hours. So, best to leave overnight then.
When plugged in, smart range-optimising technology will also enable the I-Pace to automatically regulate the temperature of the 90kWh Lithium-ion battery.
The battery delivers a range of up to 479km.
Twin Jaguar motors, with driveshafts passing through the motors themselves to maximise compression, are found at each axle. They produce a combined 294kW/696Nm, able to deliver 0-100km in 4.5s.
The I-Pace is highly energy efficient and, with a high torque density, delivers sports car-like performance. It will feature all-wheel-drive and all-surface traction.
The above content was supplied by CompareGuru.
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