Jaguar, a brand synonymous with British luxury and performance, leapt into the electric vehicle market in 2018 with the I-Pace SUV. It was a bold move for a company known for its growling engines and sleek sports cars. But the I-Pace proved that Jaguar could deliver an EV that didn‘t compromise on style, driving dynamics, or technology.
At the heart of the I-Pace is a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. Together, they generate 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque. That‘s enough to propel the I-Pace from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds—quicker than many gasoline sports cars.
But unlike a gas engine, the I-Pace‘s electric motors deliver instant torque from a standstill. There‘s no waiting for revs to build or turbos to spool up. Just seamless, silent acceleration that pins you back in your seat. The sensation is uniquely electric.
Maximizing Range Through Technology
Of course, all that performance potential doesn‘t matter if the I-Pace can‘t travel far enough on a charge to be practical. Jaguar‘s engineers optimized every aspect of the vehicle to eke out maximum range.
The I-Pace‘s battery is positioned low in the floor, giving a center of gravity 130mm lower than the F-Pace SUV. That not only benefits handling, but also allows for a smooth underbody that optimizes aerodynamics. An active air suspension can lower the car by 10mm at speeds above 65 mph to further reduce drag.
Regenerative braking captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during deceleration, feeding it back into the battery. The driver can adjust the level of regenerative braking to suit their preferences, from a more coasting feel to aggressive one-pedal driving.
Jaguar‘s Eco driving mode remaps the throttle, climate control and other systems to prioritize efficiency. Navigation factors in topography and charging stops to more accurately predict range. The I-Pace can even precondition its battery and cabin while plugged in to maximize range from the start.
Impressive Charging Capability
When it does come time to charge, the I-Pace offers several options. At home, a 7 kW AC wall box can replenish the battery from zero to 80% in about 10 hours—easily accomplished overnight. For faster charging on the go, the I-Pace supports 100 kW DC fast charging, adding up to 78 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
The I-Pace comes standard with a Mode 3 charging cable that‘s compatible with nearly all public AC charging points. It also includes a Mode 2 cable for domestic use with a standard household outlet as a backup option. Charging port locations on both front fenders make it easy to plug in from either side.
Jaguar has partnered with ChargePoint and Electrify America to provide owners access to tens of thousands of public charging stations across the U.S. The I-Pace‘s navigation system can locate available chargers along a route and factor in charging stops to calculate total travel time.
Real-World Range Testing
So how far can the I-Pace actually go on a charge? The EPA rates the 2023 I-Pace at 234 miles of range with its standard 20-inch wheels. Opting for the larger 22-inch wheels drops that figure slightly to 217 miles due to increased rolling resistance.
But as with any EV, real-world range can vary significantly based on driving conditions and habits. Edmunds conducted their own independent range testing of a 2019 I-Pace and achieved 253 miles on a single charge—exceeding the EPA estimate. However, their test was conducted at a steady 60 mph in mild weather on a flat track.
More realistic trip scenarios with varied speeds, elevation changes and climate control use will likely result in ranges closer to the official ratings. For example, a 200-mile road trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe would require at least one charging stop in the I-Pace due to the significant elevation gain.
That said, most I-Pace owners report that range is more than sufficient for their daily needs. The average American drives less than 40 miles per day, well within the I-Pace‘s capabilities. For longer trips, the growing fast charging infrastructure means the I-Pace can travel almost anywhere with a bit of planning.
Digital Cockpit and Connected Features
Step inside the I-Pace and you‘re greeted by a tech-forward cabin with multiple digital displays. The centerpiece is the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, comprised of a 10-inch upper touchscreen and 5.5-inch lower touchscreen. The upper screen handles functions like navigation, audio and phone connectivity, while the lower screen is dedicated to climate controls and vehicle settings.
In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized to show different information, from basic speed and range data to full-screen navigation maps. An optional head-up display projects key info like speed limits and turn-by-turn directions onto the windshield.
The I-Pace‘s connected features allow for remote monitoring and control via the InControl smartphone app. Owners can check the battery‘s state of charge, schedule charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, preheat or cool the cabin before driving, and even locate the vehicle in a crowded parking lot.
Software updates can be completed over-the-air, meaning the I-Pace‘s digital systems are always up to date without needing to visit a dealership. New features and improvements are continually being developed and deployed to keep the I-Pace at the cutting edge.
Stacking Up Against the Competition
The I-Pace launched into a relatively uncrowded field of premium electric SUVs, but the segment has grown significantly in recent years. Its closest competitors are the Audi e-tron, Tesla Model X and Y, BMW iX, Rivian R1S, and Cadillac Lyriq.
Here‘s how the I-Pace compares in terms of range and price:
| Model | EPA Range (mi) | MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguar I-Pace EV400 | 234 | $71,300 |
| Audi e-tron | 226 | $70,800 |
| Tesla Model X Long Range | 351 | $91,190 |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 330 | $54,190 |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | 324 | $84,100 |
| Rivian R1S Adventure | 316 | $78,000 |
| Cadillac Lyriq RWD | 312 | $62,990 |
The I-Pace is priced similarly to the e-tron, but the Audi falls short in terms of range. Both Teslas offer significantly more range, but the Model X costs over $20,000 more than the Jaguar. The Model Y is more affordable but is smaller and less luxurious.
Among the newer entrants, the iX and R1S best the I-Pace‘s range but carry higher sticker prices. The Lyriq is perhaps the I-Pace‘s toughest rival, undercutting it on price while delivering nearly 80 more miles of range.
However, numbers don‘t tell the whole story. The I-Pace stands out with concept car looks, sporty driving dynamics, and a posh, screen-filled interior. For buyers who prioritize style and performance, the I-Pace remains a compelling option.
The Future of Electric Jaguars
The I-Pace kicked off Jaguar‘s electrification efforts, but it‘s just the beginning. The brand has committed to going all-electric by 2025, beating many other luxury automakers to the punch.
Future Jaguar EVs will likely boast even greater range and faster charging capabilities as battery technology continues to improve. Solid-state batteries promise significant gains in energy density and durability compared to current lithium-ion designs.
Bi-directional charging, which allows EVs to power external devices or even feed energy back into the grid, is another area of active development. The I-Pace could potentially serve as a backup power source for a home during an outage or help balance peak electricity demand.
As more public fast charging stations come online, including some with 350 kW or higher output, recharging an I-Pace on the go will become even quicker and more convenient. Plug and Charge technology will streamline the payment process, automatically billing the owner‘s account without needing to swipe a credit card.
So while 234 miles of range may seem limiting compared to gasoline vehicles, it‘s just a snapshot in time. The I-Pace and other electric Jaguars will continue to evolve and improve, making range anxiety a thing of the past. The future of luxury transportation is undoubtedly electric, and Jaguar is poised to lead the charge.
