Jaguar sends sparks flying as it launches its new electric car

THE renaissance of Jaguar has been nothing short of remarkable over the past couple of years with its latest new cars taking the markets by storm.

First came the compact executive saloon the XE, which has quickly gone on to become a best seller, followed by the F-Pace crossover, the fastest selling model in the brand’s history.

The Big Cat is now set to claim fresh territory with the announcement it has produced its first electric car.

A concept version of the vehicle, called the I-Pace, has been developed and will receive its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show, which opens on Friday.

The company has been flirting with electric and hybrid technology for some time, with the ultimate aim of developing a full production electric vehicle.

However, rather than convert an existing model, the company has taken the bold step of launching a completely new vehicle.

The I-Pace, which echoes some of the F-Pace’s design touches – especially its rear end, is set to enter full production and could hit the road in 2018.

“It’s as daringly designed and innovative as the cars that put Jaguar on the map, with technology that enhances our customers’ lives. It sets a template for others to follow, just as we have always done,” said the company.

“It will be the smartest five-seater sports car; a performance car, a family car and an SUV all in one. Its groundbreaking design, true Jaguar performance and competitive range and charging times will make it the first real electric alternative to a traditional premium SUV.”

With this in mind, the decision to launch the car in LA – where the SUV is king – is an another marketing coup for the firm and one sure to garner it a lot of publicity.