Jaguar unveils first all-electric production vehicle I-PACE
02 March 2018
Jaguar unveiled its first all-electric production vehicle, the I-PACE. The I-PACE has a 90kWh Lithium-ion battery and offers sports car performance of 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds along with a 480 km range (298 miles) (WLTP cycle) and 0-80% charging time of 40 minutes with a 100 kW DC fast charger.
Home charging with an AC wall box (7kW) will achieve the same state of charge in just over ten hours. A suite of smart range-optimizing technologies includes a battery pre-conditioning system—when plugged in the I-PACE will automatically raise (or lower) the temperature of its battery to maximize range ahead of driving away.
Two Jaguar-designed electric motors—which feature driveshafts passing through the motors themselves for compactness—are placed at each axle, producing combined performance of 400 PS and 696 N·m, and all-wheel-drive, all-surface traction.
The bespoke aluminum architecture uses advanced riveting and bonding technology to deliver a light, stiff body structure. Together with the structural battery pack, it has a torsional rigidity of 36 kN·m/degree—the highest of any Jaguar.
The battery is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low down as possible with a seal between the housing and the underfloor. This location enables 50:50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity: together with the advanced double wishbone front and Integral Link rear axle with (optional) air suspension and configurable Adaptive Dynamics, this delivers agile handling and outstanding ride comfort.
A cab-forward design contrasts with its squared-off rear, which helps reduce the drag co-efficient to just 0.29 Cd. To optimize the balance between cooling and aerodynamics, Active Vanes in the grille open when cooling is required, but close when not needed to redirect air through the integral hood scoop, smoothing airflow.
I-PACE introduces the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system to Jaguar. Utilizing an innovative combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls, Touch Pro Duo is designed to be intuitive to use.
A new EV navigation system assesses the topography of the route to destination and insights from previous journeys, including driving style, to calculate personalized range and charging status with exceptional accuracy for maximum driver confidence.
The advanced system uses Smart Settings technology to identify individual driver preferences, and then tailors the I-PACE’s driving and interior settings accordingly.
I-PACE will also launch an Amazon Alexa Skill. This means owners will be able to ask an Alexa enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app. For example: Is my car locked? What is the charging level? Do I have enough range to get to work?
To ensure owners always have access to the latest infotainment, telematics and battery energy control software, I-PACE will be the first Jaguar to provide software over-the-air for seamless updates.
Designed and engineered in the UK, the I-PACE will be built in Plant Graz, Austria, as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing partnership with Magna Steyr. It joins Jaguar’s growing family of SUVs, alongside the all-new E-PACE and multiple award-winning F-PACE. I-PACE will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.
If the reality is as impressive as the sketches this should prove popular luxury vehicle.
The final weight will be important and we know that the company has had a strong focus on body weight reduction but one problem we are seeing universally working against efficiency and weight savings is the proliferation of electrical and electronic systems .
Despite progress such as CAN high speed computing miniaturisation finite element analysis and high strength lightweight materials, starry eyed consumers are encouraged to expect more the gadgets and interactivity, infotainment ,connectivity etc that we used to expect when we arrived at the office.
Some say all these distractions are a hazard. One thing is not disputable It ups the cost and weight.
A vehicle with these specs in a bare boned spartan or track ready configuration would be very interesting to people who focus on the practical with no need for more gizmos in their life.
It goes without saying a version with these qualities would go further handle better, be less of a muddle, cost less, last longer etc
One to watch?
Posted by: Arnold | 02 March 2018 at 01:09 PM
Affordable, all weather, ultra quick charge, extended range (500 to 800 Km) electrified vehicles may not be available for another 15 years or so because:
1. new, lower cost, ultra light weight, energy capturing bodies are required.
2. ultra light weight more efficient, lower cost batteries and/or FCs are required.
3. new AW direct drive, lower cost, e-trains are required .
4. new much lighter, more efficient, lower cost e-accessories are required.
Tata Motors of India with their Chinese partners may be able to produce such vehicles by 2030+
Posted by: HarveyD | 03 March 2018 at 09:42 AM