Jaguar Land Rover pledges electrification for all models launched from 2020

JLR has doubled its commitment to electric and hybrid models for next decade, while preparing for the social upheaval that will result.

The electrified future of motoring took a significant step forward this week, with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) CEO Dr Ralph Speth pledging all JLR products launched after 2020 will be available with some form of electrification.

This is double the 50 per cent pledge made just over a year ago at the Paris motor show, and reinforces the strength of the JLR organisation as a technology player in the automotive world.

Speaking at the Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest this week in London, Dr Speth described the near automotive future as a mobility revolution, where vehicle ownership, control, fuels and social responsibility will be reinvented. He compared this mobility revolution to the Industrial Revolution of the 17-1800s, but warned of the need for greater social responsibility to avoid the upheaval that resulted from the transition to mechanised manufacturing processes.

Rather than simply demonstrating new technologies, Tech Fest gathered thought leaders to debate the future of cars and society.

JLR has established a new division to deal with this mobility shift called InMotion, which also invests in startup technology businesses to help the brand keep on top of emerging technologies.

Rather than simply demonstrating new technologies, Tech Fest gathered thought leaders from a variety of industries, along with academics and politicians to debate the future of cars and society.

With just the Range Rover Sport and flagship Range Rover hybrid models as the only current JLR products available with electrification, the 2018 introduction of the pure-electric Jaguar I-Pace SUV will lead the electrification of the remaining twelve models in the Jaguar Land Rover range.

JLR Australia spokesman James Scrimshaw suggested the electric I-Pace will be joined by a variety of Battery Hybrid Electric Vehicles (BHEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) paired with both diesel and petrol engines to achieve this 2020 pledge.

Australian road conditions and a lack of government support has contributed to our slower hybrid and electric vehicle uptake than much of the developed world, but given combustion-engined will likely represent most of the global market for some time yet, JLR will continue to offer sans-electrification petrol and diesel versions of its mainstream line-up for the foreseeable future.

Is JLR taking the right steps toward an electrified automotive future? Tell us what you think in the comments below.