Fully-electric Jaguar expected by 2018

With rising concerns over our finite remains of crude oil, and the effect fossil fuels are having on global warming, it was only a matter of time before every major manufacturer worth its salt comes up with a fully-electric or at least a hybrid model in its line-up. Even as Tesla gears up for the launch of its most ambitious model, the Model 3, later this week, another luxury manufacturer, this time from the UK, has revealed that its first all-electric car might debut sooner than we think.

Speaking to Autoguide at the New York International Auto Show last week, Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum stated that “Within two years, we’ll have something that’s not driven by a petrol engine.”

Callum then jokingly added it'd have “just a couple of hamsters.”

We have known for some time now that the Tata Motors-owned British company have been hard at work developing its alternative energy vehicles, but this is the first time that a senior Jag official has given any kind of timeframe for its development and launch.

While Jaguar wouldn't yet clarify what kind of electric car it would be, a representative did say it's inevitable considering the direction the rest of the industry is heading. She also added that we could probably guess which models will get electrified first.

That would mean that the F-Pace and the XJ will most probably be first to go, while the F-Type is safe from battery power, at least for now. AutoGuide has also uncovered trademarks Jaguar filed for an I-Type and an I-Pace, which points to an electrified F-Type—and an electrified F-Pace—coming at some point.

The new all-electric car will be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Jaguar is targeting a very low 0.28 drag coefficient, enabled by the crossover’s sleek coupe-like silhouette, sharply raked windshield, and tapered rear end, as well as active and passive aerodynamic aids. Rumours suggest Jag is shooting for a total range of 500 kilometres, which would best the Tesla Model X’s 386 kilometres and roughly match the 485-plus-kilometre range projected for the Audi Q6 e-tron (also planned for 2018).

Other than the upcoming electric crossover, Callum also revealed that Jaguar is preparing a "big surprise" that will be revealed before the end of the year. He stopped short of confirming what the car maker has in store, but it's not too far-fetched to speculate the British car maker will preview the E-Pace with a close-to-production concept either at the Paris Motor Show or at the Los Angeles Motor Show. The production model will fight in the same segment as the Tesla Model X when it goes on sale about late next year.