The automotive sphere is changing at a rapid rate and it’s almost impossible to predict what the landscape will look like 10 years from now. Will the market be 100% electric by then? Will ride sharing have taken over? Will cars be fully autonomous? There’s no way of predicting it.
Happily, Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled what they think could be the future of urban mobility, and it comes under the conceptual nametag of ‘Project Vector’. This is the latest step in the companies journey to Destination Zero, which is their vision of an autonomous, electric and connected future for urban mobility.
Destination Zero is a long term project to make the environment we live in more sustainable, healthier to live in and also safer. Jaguar Land Rover believes this can only be achieved through ‘relentless innovation’ and the Project Vector is a fine example of this. It is cubic in design, maximising on interior space, with loads of glasswork allowing natural light to pour in.
The Project Vector is autonomy-ready, and its application is almost limitless. The platform hosts an infrastructure which can be used for ride-sharing, private ownership, taxi duties and much more. It’s JLRs take on a future proof vehicle which will be ready for whichever way the automotive landscape twists and turns over the next 10 years as we steer towards sustainability, safety and efficiency.
Jaguar Land Rover CEO Sir Ralf Speth stated: “Jaguar Land Rover understands the trends shaping modern societies. Project Vector shows Jaguar Land Rover as a leader in innovation to make our societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner. Through this project, we are collaborating with the brightest minds in academia, supply chain and digital services, to create connected, integrated mobility systems – the fundamental building blocks for Destination Zero.”
“Project Vector is precisely the brave and innovative leap forward needed to deliver on our mission.”
Regarding the design, the Project Vector is 4 metres in length, which is really rather large, but nonetheless it is a vehicle designed for the city. The battery and drivetrain are located beneath the floor. The seating options are almost limitless and extremely flexible, allowing a variety of uses for the Vector, both for consumers and for commercial use.
The Project Vector also has wide-opening sliding doors on each side, allowing passengers to very easily enter and exit the cabin, but also potentially allowing for easier loading of goods.
As you would expect, the Project Vector is very much in its inception. There are no prices to discuss, no stated electric range or performance specs, but there’s plenty to ponder and once again it’s a statement of intent from JLR who are seeking sustainable solutions for the future of the industry.