Jaguar Land Rover success in RAC Future Car Challenge 2012

The Jaguar XJ_e experimental plug-in hybrid was awarded 'Most Energy Efficient Luxury Car Prototype' and 'Technical Panel's Award of Merit' at the third annual RAC Future Car Challenge from Brighton to London.

Jaguar Land Rover entered three of its Jaguar XJ_e PHEV
engineering research cars into the event, resulting in a best-in-class rating, using only 1.2-litres of petrol and 11kWh of electricity over a 63 mile course, equating to an equivalent fuel consumption of approximately 112 miles per gallon.

The innovative XJ_e project is led by Jaguar Land Rover as part of its strategy to develop best-in-class low-carbon premium products. Part funded by the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board through the REEVolution project, this advanced research vehicle has been engineered in partnership with leading UK technology companies to help develop expertise for ultra-low carbon vehicles within the supply chain.

"The three experimental XJ_e vehicles were brand new so this event was their first drive in real-world conditions. They performed faultlessly and delivered performance that exceeded our expectations, a tribute to our engineering team who prepared them. Events like this help us not only to understand the technical challenges involved but also provide an opportunity to showcase promising solutions," said Pete Richings, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Hybrids & Electrification.

The three Jaguar XJ_e PHEV vehicles utilise a specially developed 2-litre turbocharged engine coupled with a 69 kW electric motor and a 12.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, instead of the 5-litre V8 of the standard XJ. The Jaguar XJ_e can achieve a range of about 25 miles in all-electric mode and a maximum electric mode top speed of 75 mph. Performance estimates for the Jaguar XJ_e are fuel economy of 87 miles per gallon and a top speed of 150 mph. Tailpipe emissions are 75 g/km - a 70 per cent improvement compared to the standard Jaguar XJ.

"Jaguar Land Rover is the UK's largest investor in automotive green technology and by working together with academia, suppliers and other automotive manufacturers through the Technology Strategy Board, we are helping to push the boundaries of research into the electrification of premium and luxury vehicles, with experimental vehicles like the XJ_e Hybrids and electrification technologies are key elements of Jaguar Land Rover's plan to reduce our carbon footprint," Pete continues.

Posted in: Award,Brighton,Hybrid,International,Jaguar,Jaguar Land Rover,Jaguar XJ_e,London,Most Energy Efficient Luxury Car Prototype,Pete Richings,Plug-in Hybrid,RAC Future Car Challenge