Jaguar I‑PACE Wins Three Titles at the International Engine + Powertrain of the Year Awards 2019
The all-electric Jaguar I‑PACE has won Best Electric Powertrain, Best New Engine, and the 350 to 450PS category at The International Engine + Powertrain of the Year Awards. Announced at the Engine Expo + The Powertrain Technology Show in Stuttgart, the panel of 70 expert motoring journalists from 31 countries took into account key characteristics including performance, driveability, energy efficiency and refinement. These three titles recognise the technical excellence of the I‑PACE’s zero emissions powertrain, which was designed and developed in-house.
Jaguar Land Rover NZ general manager Steve Kenchington says the awards will be further ratification for the early adopters of the new model in this market.
“The first shipment of I‑PACEs will be delivered to New Zealand customers next month – the majority of these were sold to customers that were inspired by Jaguar’s promise that the technology behind their new EV would be class-leading,
“The 60+ global accolades the SUV has received since it was first launched will provide further reassurance to new owners that hundreds of independent industry experts that make up the judging panels concur,” he says.
Ian Hoban, Powertrain Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We’ve used all the benefits of state-of-the-art battery and motor technology to create a world-class electric vehicle.
As well as zero emissions, the all-electric powertrain delivers an ideal balance of performance, refinement and range, together with outstanding responsiveness, agility and day-to-day usability. I‑PACE is a true driver’s car, and above all a true Jaguar. We set out to make the world’s best all-electric performance SUV: these awards reflect that and are fitting recognition for what the engineering team has achieved.”
I‑PACE’s 90kWh lithium-ion battery enables a range of up to 470km (according to the World Wide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure). It’s capable of charging from 0-80% in just 40 minutes using a 100kW DC charger, or in just over ten hours when using a 7kW AC wallbox – ideal for overnight charging at home.
A suite of smart, range-optimising technologies includes a cabin and battery pre-conditioning system: when plugged in the I‑PACE will automatically raise (or lower) the temperature of its battery to maximise range ahead of driving away. A heat pump can scavenge energy from the outside air – even in sub-zero conditions – to reduce the amount of battery energy used by the climate control system. It can even utilise heat generated by the propulsion system to warm up the cabin, further reducing demand on the battery.
The battery is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low down as possible. This location enables perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity: together with the advanced double wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension this is fundamental to the I‑PACE’s agile handling and outstanding ride comfort.
The permanent magnet motors are hollow, with the driveshafts passing through the centre. As well as being light – together with the transmission they weigh just 78kg – they’re also exceptionally compact. This contributes to the I‑PACE’s spacious cabin, 656-litre luggage compartment volume and SUV ground clearance.
Integrating the motors into the front and rear axles delivers all-wheel drive for outstanding traction and control in all conditions. They also enable high levels of regenerative braking – up to 0.4G. This maximises range, and also enables intuitive ‘single pedal’ driving in many conditions.
I‑PACE has received 66 global awards since it was revealed little more than a year ago, including 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, World Green Car, European Car of the Year, and German, Norwegian and UK Car of the Year. Kenchington says while the first shipment of I‑PACEs to New Zealand have all been presold, customers should contact their local authorised Jaguar Land Rover retailer for more information on how to place an order.