Tata Motors' Jaguar drives new electric car concept

Tata Motors-owned luxury brand Jaguar has made its entry into the electric car arena with the launch of its new I-Pace concept car simultaneously in London and Los Angeles which can cover a distance of more than 500 kilometres on a single full charge.
Scheduled for production in next year, the all-electric battery-powered Jaguar SUV is expected to hit the roads towards the end of 2018.
"The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design. It's a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior - the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship," Ian Callum, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) director of design, said during the launch which was beamed live from Los Angeles through virtual reality to London yesterday.

"Our virtual reality reveal today has pushed technology boundaries as well, and captures the hi-tech essence of the concept car. We only have one concept car and it is in LA for the reveal. For the first time, VR has allowed us to share it across the globe in the most immersive way possible," he said.
Customers from around the world can register their interest by clicking "I Want One" at jaguar.Com to be among the first I-PACE owners.
The new five-seater sports car and performance SUV rolled into one comes with bespoke electric architecture alongside distinguishable Jaguar features.

The state-of-the-art electric motors and 90kWh lithium- ion battery pack were designed in-house by JLR to give the best possible performance and range for most daily journeys.

The idea is to be able to plug the car into a wall socket overnight and have more than enough range to complete an average daily commute of around 50 km.
Dr Wolfgang Ziebart, JLR engineering director, explains: "This is an uncompromised electric vehicle designed from a clean sheet of paper: we've developed a new architecture and selected only the best technology available. The I-PACE Concept fully exploits the potential EVs [electric vehicles] can offer in space utilisation, driving pleasure and performance."
For rapid charging, using a typical public 50 KW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over two hours and it's enough to deliver more than 220 miles range (measured on the US EPA test cycle) or more than 500 km range (measured on the European NEDC test cycle).

(Reopens FGN 30)
The virtual reality experience allowed participants to sit in the front and rear of the Jaguar I-PACE Concept and explore the interior, discovering hidden details and features.
Callum said: "The interior of the I-PACE Concept is finished with beautiful, premium materials and an unwavering attention to detail. Throughout the interior you will discover a host of beautiful details to surprise and delight. "From the expansive panoramic glass roof to the sporting, beautifully finished seats, every feature bears the hallmark of British craftsmanship.
"And there is digital craftsmanship too, with two touch screens serving up information when and where you need it, limiting distraction and improving the driving experience."

The price for the new all-electric SUV is yet to be announced but it is being pitched close to the Jaguar F-Pace range of cars.
JLR's announcement puts it in competition with Elon Musk's Tesla in the electric vehicle market and comes soon after the Tata Group firm reported a 23 per cent rise in revenues for the three months to the end of September.