There was a time when the automotive world had high hopes for the Jaguar I-PACE, labeling it a potential "Tesla Killer." Backed by a renowned traditional automaker and boasting a captivating design that caught everyone's attention, the I-PACE emerged as an all-electric vehicle poised to challenge Tesla. It seemed like the ideal contender to counter Tesla's wave of Silicon Valley-inspired electric cars.
The I-PACE swiftly garnered momentum, winning numerous prestigious automotive awards—62 to be exact, including the esteemed 2019 World Car of the Year accolade. It secured recognition for Best Design and Best Green Car as well. This was a remarkable feat, particularly considering the presence of the already available Tesla Model 3 at the time.
However, recent remarks made by JLR CEO Adrian Mardell to Autocar UK have unveiled a different future for the Jaguar I-PACE. It's set to exit the automaker's all-electric lineup and will be discontinued before the company's relaunch in 2025, along with the rest of the current model range. Interestingly, Mardell's predecessor, Thierry Bolloré, had previously hinted at enhancing the I-PACE further.
Jaguar has yet to pinpoint the exact retirement date for the I-PACE. However, the company has indicated that it will unveil its next-generation vehicles in late 2024. These vehicles, expected to be built on the JEA electric architecture, are anticipated to hit the market in 2025.
"We aim to minimize the time the product is off the market, particularly for the electrified one (I-PACE). At the moment, we're awaiting the confidence in JEA. Presently, indications suggest it could be in the first half of 2025. We'll have more certainty when we're around nine to twelve months away. This gives us the time—nine to twelve months—to make informed decisions," Mardell explained.
Despite the I-PACE's impending departure, Mardell acknowledged the vehicle's significant contribution to the automaker's journey. Even today, the I-PACE remains primarily available in the UK and mainland Europe to aid the company in meeting emissions targets. Moreover, the vehicle has steered the development of other EVs, suggesting that the foundation laid by the Jaguar I-PACE program will shape the automaker's upcoming electric vehicles.
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