All-electric Jaguar I-pace goes through winter testing at -40

Probably the most eagerly anticipated car of 2018 will be available to order from March 1.

The Jaguar I-pace has been undergoing cold weather testing in the Swedish Arctic, being put through its paces at temperatures of -40C.

Boasting a 310-mile range, the allelectric I-pace will be capable of charging from empty to 80% capacity in just 45 minutes using a fast charger.

Order books are set to open following a global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Pricing has not been released but it is expected to cost around £60,000.

With supercar looks, sports car performance and SUV space all in one electric package, Jaguar aims to rip up the rule book when it comes to what drivers expect from an electric vehicle.

After 1.5 million miles and 11,000 hours of component testing, final winter trials have been taking place in Sweden, where the car’s all-wheel-drive performance was tested.

That is pretty chilly, but the Jag has some clever systems to help combat the cold. Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a journey.

Pre-conditioning the car ensures maximum range, performance and comfort, whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot.

Setting up preferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules can be done from either the on-board Incontrol system, or by a smartphone app and is as easy as setting an alarm.

You can plumb in your destination and the I-pace will tell you before setting off whether you can complete your journey on a single charge and where the closest charge points are along the way.

Jaguar’s director of design, Scotsman Ian Callum said: “The I-pace is a radical departure for electric vehicles.

“It’s the product of authentic Jaguar design DNA matched with the most advanced electrification technology and British craftsmanship.”

The Jaguar I-pace will be available to order from March.