Jaguar has briefly sent its first electric vehicle – the Jaguar I-Pace Concept – onto the streets for the first time, with a brief foray onto the roads of London’s famous Olympic Park. The electric performance SUV concept previews Jaguar’s first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-Pace, which will be revealed in late 2017 and will be on the road in the second half of 2018.

Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar said: “The feedback on the I-Pace Concept has been fantastic. With the I-Pace Concept we’ve torn up the rule book to create a vehicle with supercar inspired aesthetics, sports car performance and SUV space, in one electric package. It has surprised people and the enthusiasm for our first electric vehicle has been beyond all my expectations.

“Driving the concept on the streets is really important for the design team. It’s very special to put the car outside and in the real-world. You can see the true value of the I-Pace’s dramatic silhouette and powerful proportions when you see it on the road, against other cars. The I-Pace Concept represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design. For me, the future of motoring has arrived.”

The I-Pace will be a long distance sprinter that accelerates to 60 mph in around 4 seconds, with a range of more than 500 km, or about 300 miles (NEDC cycle) from the 90kWh lithium-ion battery. Charging is easy and quick, with an 80 per cent charge achieved in just 90 minutes using 50kW DC charging.

Compact, lightweight electric motors at the front and rear axles generate a combined output of 395 bhp and 516 ft lb of torque, with the all-weather benefits of all-wheel drive. Jaguar says the I-Pace will also deliver the agility, ride comfort and refinement that will set it apart from all other electric vehicles – a true Jaguar and a true drivers’ car.