Jaguar’s Vision for Complete Electric Transition by 2025 Followed by Land Rover in 2030

Set to introduce the inaugural electric vehicle in 2024, JLR plans to introduce six new battery-powered models within five years, marking the end of Jaguar’s century-long legacy powered by gasoline. Despite advanced development, the eagerly anticipated all-electric successor to the XJ sedan has been discarded as part of this strategic move, with Jaguar hinting that the iconic nameplate may still have a place as “the brand explores its distinct possibilities.”

Embracing the concept of “responsible modern luxury” and “simplification” without resorting to plant closures, Thierry Bolloré shared that three distinct platforms will guide them on the silent journey toward zero emissions by 2036. Land Rover will utilize two platforms for its Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender models, while Jaguar will have a dedicated electric platform for its range of sustainable high-end luxury vehicles.

Initially leveraging the soon-to-be-released Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA), Land Rover will offer electrified internal combustion engines alongside fully electric versions. Further down the line, Land Rover will transition to the Electric Modular Architecture (EMA), emphasizing fully electric models but also accommodating advanced electrified ICE options until the brand follows Jaguar into the all-electric realm in 2030.

With Jaguar taking the lead in just four years, all forthcoming Jaguars will be based exclusively on the third-generation electric platform. Diesel powertrains across JLR will be phased out by 2026, Jaguar is already exploring fuel-cell technology as of this year, and with Tata, the parent company, committing to an annual investment of $3.5 billion, JLR aims to achieve a carbon-neutral status by 2039.

In 2015, Jaguar Land Rover introduced its modular Ingenium engine series, enabling the production of all-aluminum turbocharged engines in diesel and petrol iterations across three, four, or six-cylinder configurations. Back in 2018, rumors surfaced about Jaguar’s potential shift to an all-electric lineup within a decade, and after the success of the I-Pace, the future is decidedly “electric-first” in JLR’s strategic agenda, likely beginning with the electric version of the F-Type in 2024.

Despite the existence of SVO as Jaguar Land Rover’s exclusive performance division, the cancellation of the already tested XJ EV is regrettable, marking a considerable misstep in terms of both development progress and financial investment. The previous XJ sedan had become outdated by the end of its prolonged lifecycle, resulting in declining sales figures.

The former Jaguar design lead, Ian Callum, expressed his views on the overdue successor back in 2018:

“In regards to the upcoming XJ, it must exude elegance, be sporty, and possess a streamlined appearance. It should cater to enthusiasts,” shared Callum back in 2018. “The design must convey the essence of a sports car. It’s more than just a conventional sedan. It should entice people to hop in and drive. The shape itself must speak volumes.”

He also appeared enthusiastic about a potential electric luxury sedan that could propel Jaguar’s classic large cruiser into the 2020s. However, despite multiple prototypes being spotted around JLR’s Gaydon engineering headquarters, the proposed XJ EV for 2022 has been axed, following the Aston Martin Rapide E in the recent list of scrapped electric luxury sedans.

After reviewing JLR’s Reimagine business strategy, it seems Jaguar anticipates selling in smaller quantities at higher profits, potentially reaching Bentley-levels of luxury features coupled with cutting-edge digital capabilities on the market. In contrast, Land Rover concentrates on SUVs, hence their future plan might be less ambitious. They are set to kick off with a plug-in hybrid Defender in 2021. The rest will unfold post the departure of the final V8 from Jaguar Land Rover.

Have a tip to share? Reach out to us at: tips@thedrive.com