The Jaguar E-PACE PHEV is the most fuel efficient, least polluting, and most versatile version of the company’s new, compact, crossover vehicle. Why? Because it has twin power sources: petrol engine and electric motor. So, it blends the benefits of a car that only has a petrol engine with the benefits of a car that is pure electric – and eliminates the downsides of both. Let us see why.
Engine and electric motor
The Jaguar E-PACE PHEV has a 1.5 litre, 200PS, petrol engine and a 109PS electric motor. That is 309PS in total. The vehicle can be propelled by both power sources simultaneously, or the electric motor only. You can choose which.
Like a pure petrol car, the engine ensures you can travel hundreds of miles without refuelling. Furthermore, once the tank is empty it can be completely fuelled in minutes. The same cannot be said for some pure electric cars that have far less range and take a long time to charge. The downsides are that petrol is expensive and the engine produces emissions that cause health issues.
In contrast, there is no petrol consumption – and no emissions – when the vehicle is only propelled by its electric motor. The maximum range is 34 miles per-charge via the 15kWh battery. That is enough for the ‘average daily commute’, Jaguar suggested. Either way, unlike a pure electric vehicle there is no range anxiety. The petrol engine simply takes over once the battery goes flat.
The Jaguar’s combination of petrol engine and electric motor is therefore a winning combination. You get very low (and often zero) carbon emissions, exceptional fuel consumption, long range, and a lot of power. Key facts include:
- Fuel consumption: 141mpg
- Carbon emission: 44g/km (0g/km when running on the motor only)
- 0 to 60mph: 6.1 seconds.
Charging
The Jaguar E-PACE PHEV has further strengths. The battery can be charged quickly, for example. Expect 0 to 80% in 30 minutes via a 32kW public charger. Alternatively, the 7kW wall box can be fitted at home and takes 1 hour 24 minutes to charge from 0 to 80%. And, of course, the battery can be charged while the vehicle is travelling by regenerative braking. Further strengths include:
- All-wheel-drive for superior traction
- 8-speed automatic transmission to make driving easier
- Purposeful, modern, and attractive styling that stands out
- Luxurious interior that confirms it is a prestigious vehicle.
Equipment and price
The Jaguar E-PACE PHEV has a high equipment specification, too. Expect: automatic braking to minimise the risk of collision, multiple cameras to make it easy to manoeuvre, voice control, twin-zone climate control, and a vast 11.4 inch screen in the centre of the dashboard. Furthermore, lane keep assist nudges the steering in the best direction if you wander off line. All from £44,995.