Jaguar’s potential decision to power the next-generation F-Type only with electric motors and a battery has plenty of positive aspects, but the risks are significant.
The recent, warm showroom reception for the Jaguar I-Pace battery-powered SUV indicates that premium “halo” electric Jaguars have great buyer appeal, and the new F-Type’s business case should surely also benefit from sharing components with its logical electric bedfellows, the I-Pace family and the new all-electric XJ luxury car.
You’d imagine performance and traction would be no problem: the twin motors of the impressive four-wheel-drive I-Pace powertrain could surely be modestly enhanced for even better acceleration, with improved aerodynamics (principally a smaller frontal area) and a modestly lower kerb weight (the lack of an engine and gearbox compensating for the addition of a battery). That should help this 2020s coupé to the 150mph top speed it needs for respectability.
Above all, the driving precision of a sophisticated electric powertrain would play well in an F-Type. It might even be that the comparative simplicity of the new sports car (given that many of its engineering challenges have already been solved in the I-Pace) might even make the battery sports coupe more economic at the lowish annual volume around 6000 the existing car has been achieving.
But the challenges are significant. The F-Type, and indeed every proper Jaguar sports car in history, has had a high performing petrol engine. Replacing this with a smooth and silent electric motor will be a backward step for some. Same goes for Jaguar traditionalists for whom the presence of an elegant set of exhaust pipes – and their stirring noise – are irreplaceable.
In short, the idea of an all-electric F-Type has logic on its side, and a fine car would probably result. But there’s a modestly significant risk that electrification might wound the model severely.
Glad I’m not making the decision.
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Didn't buy an iPace, might have bought this or an XJ
The iPace was a great car but not an ideal EV. High energy consumption and an SUV rather han a car are not things I want. They also haven't sorted charging in the way Tesla have so I changed my E63 AMG for Aa Model S and not an iPace. THis does look quite a fun option though for the next time I change my car. Hopefully, they'll sort it out!
Management but technology...
On the strength of Jag's product planning and in-life-cycle product management over the last 7 years, I don't think they've the in-house resource & expertise to produce anything other than rebodied Land Rovers.
If I were Tata I'd leave the train-set to LR and make Jag 'niche' which, in light of Jag's sales numbers, is what they've become anyway - contrary to the plans of the existing management: what a pathetic coincidence.
Sales
To put that 6000 figure in context, Porsche sold 25,000 718s (Boxster/Cayman) and 32,000 911s last year. They have a hill to climb.