Jaguar begins work on electric SUV

Jaguar has reportedly started working on an all-electric compact SUV that will rival the Tesla Model X. Likely to be unveiled in 2019, the electric SUV will have similar dimensions to Jaguar’s upcoming E-Pace SUV, which is based on the new steel Land Rover Discovery Sport platform and is slated for an international launch in 2017. However, instead of being an adapted version of the E-Pace SUV, the electric SUV will most likely sit on the same aluminium architecture as the XE and F-Pace because, unlike the E-Pace's underpinnings, the platform was designed with an all-electric powertrain in mind, as well as various hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications.

Our sister publication Autocar UK’s sources suggest the electric SUV will feature four inboard electric motors mounted on each corner, retaining the use of driveshafts, although there remains the possibility of Jaguar making a technology leap with in-wheel motors. Jaguar Land Rover parent firm Tata has previously pioneered the technology and insiders say the company has made significant progress in overcoming the problem of the additional unsprung weight of in-wheel motors.

If predictions for this electric model are correct, Jaguar could offer three SUVs in international markets before the end of the decade – the F-Pace, the E-Pace and the electric SUV – with a fourth, the J-Pace, likely to join them in 2020.