In November 2016 Jaguar first revealed the I-PACE concept car – a smart fiver-seater fully electric car embodying the traits of a family car, performance car and SUV. The I-PACE took to the streets in March 2017 and in August it was named the ‘Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2017’ at the 16th North American Concept Vehicle Awards.
Ian Callum, director of design at Jaguar, said: “Our challenge was to design an electric vehicle that’s distinctively and unmistakably a Jaguar – and one which demonstrates that an electric vehicle can be visually dramatic as well as practical. I think that the Jaguar I-PACE Concept has done exactly that, and is clearly at the forefront of the trend for more beautiful, more desirable electric vehicles. We’re very proud of it, and we’re delighted that the North American jurors have recognised us for succeeding in our mission by awarding the I-PACE Concept the 2017 Concept Car of the Year.”
A year after unveiling the first concept car, Jaguar is ahead of plans for a 2018 reveal of its fully electric car. Over 200 prototype vehicles have undergone 11,000 hours of testing, covering 1.5 million miles and now the I-PACE is ready to embark on its final validation testing for range and durability.
“After 1.5 million global test miles, the I-PACE is ready for production and is proven to deliver long distances on a single charge. Jaguar’s first battery electric vehicle will also be fast to charge; our target is a zero to 80 per cent charge being achievable in a short break,” says Ian Hoban, Jaguar vehicle line director.
Full specification and pricing for the I-PACE will be revealed when the order books open officially next March.
