Iconic brand Jaguar is bringing the brand into the 21st century with a move toward electric cars. From 2020 all new Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will be electrified. The company made the announcement at its inaugural Tech Fest, a series of debates and a free public exhibition about the future of mobility. The future is electric, and sexy to boot.
They’re electric
Jaguar Land Rover CEO Dr Ralf Speth said: “Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice. Our first fully electric performance SUV, the Jaguar I-PACE, goes on sale next year.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: The E-Type: Jaguar Land Rover’s Tech Fest at Central St Martins on September 7, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover)
The E-Type Zero and I-PACE
The E-Type Zero and I-PACE are are easy on the eye with electric power under the hood.
Acclaimed by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car in the world”, the electric Jaguar E-type Zero future-proofs one of the world’s most famous cars. Combining breathtaking design with electric power for the first time the E-type Zero is based on a 1968 Series 1.5 Roadster. It features a cutting-edge electric powertrain for 0-60mph in just 5.5sec.
With I-PACE Jaguar presents motorists with a bespoke, tailored, pure electric SUV from the ground up. A vehicle that’s not only practical but beautiful to look at and environmentally friendly.
Jaguar’s Future
As well as showcasing Jaguar’s electric models, Tech Fest also a glimpse at the future through the Jaguar FUTURE-TYPE. This is a vision for the car of 2040 and beyond. More than a way to get from A-B the FUTURE -TYPE is about living life from A-Z. With intelligent steering wheel Sayer at the heart of the design, it aims to revolutionise the way you live.
Named after Malcolm Sayer, designer of the E-type, Sayer is the first voice activated AI steering wheel that will be able to carry out hundreds of tasks. From organising your travel and to ordering your pizza Sayer has you covered. And in the spirit of going green, you can opt to be part of the member’s club sharing your ownership in a club and reducing congestion.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: Sayer Steering Wheel
Technology with Heart
As well as the motoring developments, Tech Fest is is also featuring other environmentally friendly projects that aim to improve the lives of many. Among these are the Waste to Wave recycling initiative which turns waste into surfboards.
The Jaguar Land Rover solar power project also promises to light up the lives of 1.2 million people by 2020. Working with Climate Care, Jaguar will provide clean, safe, renewable solar-powered lamps to families in Kenya. These lamps will give up to four hours of additional light every evening, allowing children to study and families to socialise together into the hours of darkness.
The partnership will help families to save money on fuel, and crucially, prevent exposure to the dangerous fumes produced by the kerosene lamps many still use today. It will enable villagers to work for longer at home, and also foster economic independence. In time, families could be able to afford their own solar lamps, creating a virtuous circle of social and economic benefits.
Further exhibits at Tech Fest include Panasonic Jaguar Racing in Formula E and the bespoke steering wheel designed for the Land Rover BAR America’s Cup sailing team.
