The brand’s first-ever EV enters final validation testing ahead of early 2018 world debut
One year after revealing the I-PACE Concept at the LA Auto Show, Jaguar is back in California, this time with a production prototype.
The reason for the return is Jaguar's upcoming EV is undergoing final range and durability tests ahead of the official global reveal next year, and The Golden State is one of the places chosen by the automaker.
But there was another reason as well. Pasadena-based Ann Voyer, one of the thousands of people Jaguar claims have placed a deposit or registered strong interest in the upcoming electric crossover, wanted to know whether the I-PACE would have enough range to complete her favorite road trip along California's West Coast.
To answer the question, Jaguar engineers invited her on a long-distance range test in the I-PACE. The production prototype drove 200 miles (322 km) from Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, to Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, on a single charge of the Lithium-Ion battery.
And Ann Voyer is not the only potential customer that will get a ride in an I-PACE production prototype: a lucky few have been chosen to accompany Jaguar's engineers in prototype vehicles as they complete final validation tests.
"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 percent charge being achievable in a short break."
Ian Hoban, Jaguar Vehicle Line Director
So far, over 200 production prototypes have completed 1.5 million miles and 11,000 hours of testing to make sure the product is up to standard. Jaguar will announce full specification and pricing for its electric performance SUV in March 2018 when it will also start taking orders.