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Jaguar Launches I-Pace eTROPHY Championship to Boost Electric Motorsport
Earlier in August, The Drive reported that Formula E was planning to introduce an electric touring car series to energize race weekends. FIA President Jean Todt indicated that discussions were underway, and now it’s confirmed that Jaguar will spearhead this initiative with the launch of the I-Pace eTROPHY championship.
Jaguar presents this new championship as a significant step forward in zero-emissions motorsport, bolstering the expanding Formula E series. The I-Pace eTROPHY will feature up to 20 race car versions of the production I-Pace electric vehicle, racing across 10 weekends during Formula E’s fifth season in major cities such as Hong Kong, Paris, Sao Paulo, and Brooklyn.
The race cars will be constructed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations. Gerd Mauser, Chairman of Jaguar Racing, emphasized the company’s pledge to battery electric vehicles and international motorsport, stating, "With the launch of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, we have strengthened our commitment to battery electric vehicles, international motorsport, and FIA Formula E Championship. As a British team, we are proud to announce today the launch of the world’s first production battery electric vehicle championship."
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Formula E, praised Jaguar’s involvement, highlighting the enhanced entertainment value for fans. He stated, "The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY will bring more entertainment for fans in-between sessions and will be a further testament to the advances in battery technology and exciting electric performance."
This initiative is part of Jaguar’s broader strategy to transition to electric vehicles, with plans for all models to be electrified in some manner by 2020. Given the UK government’s recent decision to ban the sale of new diesel and gasoline vehicles by 2040, Jaguar Land Rover appears to be taking proactive steps in anticipation of new regulations.
Details regarding technical specifications, the race calendar, and costs for the Jaguar I-Pace eTROPHY will be announced in 2018, just before the road version is set to hit showrooms in late 2019.
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