Jaguar to Offer Electrified Powertrains on All Models From 2020
Automaker unveils Future-Type concept
Jaguar Land Rover is preparing for the inevitable coming of EVs, car sharing, and autonomous vehicles just like most other automakers. And it has chosen the Tech Fest in London to show its plan of action, announcing it will offer an electrified powertrain on every model starting from 2020 and unveiling an autonomous concept with a steering wheel that acts as a personal concierge.
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Much like Aston Martin, JLR will offer an electrified powertrain on every model line in the near future. JLR wants to achieve this goal in 2020 by presenting a range of fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid vehicles. It's an ambitious goal considering Jaguar is a bit behind the game in terms of alternative powertrains. Jaguar will launch its first electric vehicle, the I-Pace, next year.
Recently, Volvo announced it would stop offering pure gas cars altogether by 2019. Its lineup will include gas and diesel plug-in hybrids, all-electric vehicles, and mild hybrids.
Jaguar's Future-Type concept looks a little further into the future. The autonomous vision, which Jaguar says looks ahead to 2040, features a voice-controlled steering wheel. The unique wheel answers your questions, organizes your travel arrangements, and helps you select entertainment options in the car. Drivers can also take the wheel out of the car and command it to order pizza at home much like you could do with an Amazon Echo or Google Home device.
Jaguar says the steering wheel could be the only part of a car people own in the future as the industry moves toward autonomous cars for hire. The automaker calls its intelligent steering wheel "Sayer," named after Malcolm Sayer, the designer who penned the C-Type, D-Type, and E-Type.
Speaking of the E-Type, Jaguar is debuting its first electric version at the Tech Fest. Based on a 1968 Series 1.5 Roadster, the E-Type Zero features an electric powertrain capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The vehicle was produced by Jaguar Classic in Warwickshire, United Kingdom.
Source: Jaguar Land Rover
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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