2019 I-pace is future of Jaguar

New EV gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘plug and play’

Tbattery-powered I-pace hatchback breaks new ground for Jaguar. Aside from Tesla, Jaguar is one of the first premium automakers to take a complete pass on fuel pumps. Others are heading our way, and soon.

It seems that Jaguar’s philosophy is that, if you’re installing an electric powertrain, you shouldn’t get too weird when it comes to design. Instead of sporting a blunt, Tesla-like nose, the I-pace actually looks like a Jaguar. It’s not just for show as it directs airflow to cool the batteries.

A narrow channel just above the grille directs incoming air through the hood vent, then over the roof and down between the hatchback’s window and roof spoiler. Jaguar says the air stream eliminates the need for a rear wiper, but obviously not when the car is stationary.

The rest of the I-pace is sleek and aerodynamic. However, it lacks the cargo space of Jaguar’s F-pace utility wagon, even with an added stowage bin under the relatively stubby hood. The F-pace is similar in length to the I-pace but has double the cargo volume.

The interior and dashboard are unique to the I-pace and appear more luxurious, certainly compared to the closest (in price) Tesla Model S with its touch screen-dominating cockpit. The gauges and controls are certainly high-tech looking, but they still would look right at home in any fossil-fuel-powered luxury vehicle.

The 10-inch touch screen displays driving range, battery life and braking-regeneration status, as well as the infotainment choices and navigation mapping. Traditional ventilation-system dials are located on the floor console, directly above the forward, reverse and park switches (replacing a traditional shifter).

Pushing the start button brings to life the I-pace’s twin electric motors, one at each end of the vehicle. Combined, they produce 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque the very moment your right foot presses the accelerator. At speeds below 30 mph, only the rear motor is functioning, which maximizes battery life.

Jaguar’s stopwatch confirms a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds, which is quite quick considering the I-pace weighs a hefty 4,800 pounds. Much of that bulk belongs to the 432 battery cells located in the floor.

As with Tesla’s models, the I-pace’s

battery location lowers the center of gravity to help keep the electric Jag flat and stable while driving.

At full charge, the I-pace’s range is estimated at 240 miles (about the same as a base Tesla Model S), but that number will decrease in

Jaguar Even with a range of up to 240 miles, a charge time of about 13 hours (for a full charge using 240 volts) means the I-pace is relegated to commuter status. Even shorter weekend trips will have to be precisely planned around available charging infrastructure.

The interior of the I-pace isn’t weird and strange, but it is high-tech, familiar and more luxurious than sporty. You’ll have plenty of time to admire it while waiting 85 minutes for an 80-percent top-up, or about 190 miles of range, from a 50-kilowatt fast-charge station.

With the batteries in the floor, cabin space is freed up, and the center of gravity is low to the ground.