Tata Motors’ Jaguar claims the I-Pace EV, on sale on 1 March here in the UK, offers both rapid charging and rapid performance but did not detail range.
It said the SUV can be charged in 45 minutes (to 80% using a DC 100kW charger), will deliver sports car performance and SUV practicality, and can cope with sub-zero temperatures – which are well known to reduce EV battery range.
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JLR said it had tested its new model across extremes of terrain and temperature including arctic evaluation at its cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, where temperatures can plunge to -40°C.
“Not only will the I-Pace charge quickly enough for our customers to carry out their everyday lives, it will offer powerful and precise performance in a variety of conditions and climactic extremes. Allied with the versatile credentials of our celebrated Pace family, this will be an electric performance SUV like no other,” claimed Jaguar vehicle line director Ian Hoban.
As with established EVs and PHEVs such as Nissan’s Leaf, Mitsubushi’s Outlander and Volvo’s XC models, I-Pace owners will be able to use mains power to pre-condition the car’s battery and cabin temperatures ahead of driving.
“Pre-conditioning the car ensures maximum range, performance and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot,” Jaguar said.
Setting up preferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules can be done from either the on-board InControl system or the remote smartphone app, and is, Jaguar claims, as easy as setting an alarm.
The I-Pace will make its public debut at the Geneva show on 6 March.
