Jaguar has unleashed its first electric vehicle onto the streets

JAGUAR has unleashed its first electric vehicle – the Jaguar I-PACE – on to the streets for the first time.

Driving in London’s famous Olympic Park, the electric performance SUV concept car previews Jaguar’s first electric vehicle which will be revealed later this year and will be on the road in the second half of 2018.

The I-PACE will be a long distance sprinter that accelerates to 60mph in around four seconds, with a range of some 350 miles from a 90kWh lithium-ion battery. Charging is quick with 80 per cent charge achieved in just 90 minutes.

Compact, lightweight electric motors at the front and rear axles generate a combined output of 400bhp and 700Nm of torque, with the allweather benefits of all-wheel drive.

Jaguar says the I-PACE will also deliver the agility, ride comfort and refinement that will set it apart from all other electric vehicles: it will be a true Jaguar and a true drivers’ car.

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design, said: “The feedback on the I-PACE concept has been fantastic. With the I-PACE concept we’ve torn up the rule book to create a vehicle with supercar inspired aesthetics, sports car performance and SUV space, in one electric package.

“It has surprised people and the enthusiasm for our first electric vehicle has been beyond all my expectations.

“Driving the concept on the streets is really important for the design team. It’s very special to put the car outside and in the real-world. You can see the true value of the I-PACE’s dramatic silhouette and powerful proportions when you see it on the road, against other cars.

“The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design. For me, the future of motoring has arrived.”