Jaguar XJ_e plug-in hybrid at Goodwood

The ultra-low carbon research vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under 6.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of 250km/h (limited) while emitting less than 75g/km of CO2.

Its parallel hybrid design means the Jaguar XJ_e can run on either petrol or electric power, or a combination of both fuels.

The XJ_e’s hybrid system has a maximum output of 246kW and a fuel economy of 3.2L/100km. That is an extraordinarily low number, which also translates into a maximum range of 1092 kilometres on a full tank of fuel.

Using electric power only, the XJ_e has a range of 40 kilometres only.

The XJ_e uses the lightweight aluminium structure from the Jaguar XJ in combination with a plug-in hybrid electric system, which features the same 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine that powers the Range Rover Evoque.

The XJ_e’s hybrid system is mated to a hybridised 8-speed automatic transmission.

Part funded by the UK Government’s REEVolution (Range Extended Electric Vehicles) project, the Jaguar XJ_e project was initiated by JLR as part of its strategy to develop best-in-class low-carbon vehicles for the premium segment.

Bob Joyce, JLR’s Engineering Director, explains, “The XJ_e investigates how a 5.0-litre V8 engine could be replaced by an advanced 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain to deliver similar performance and refinement, but with CO2 emissions of less than 75g/km.”

“While the XJ_e is an experimental project, it highlights that JLR customers can expect some exciting low—carbon products in the future,” he said.

JLR leads a consortium of technology companies and car manufacturers that also include Lotus and the Nissan Motor Company for Infinity brand, which also displayed best-in-class vehicles, Infinity Emerge-e and the Lotus Evora 414E at Goodwood.