Furthering its support of Formula E electric racing, Jaguar has announced the world's first production battery electric vehicle race series. Called the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, the series will support FIA's Formula E championship, utilizing the same race circuits on the same weekends.
The series will exclusively feature Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy race cars and will come in 2018 with the launch of the Jaguar I-Pace five-seat battery-electric sports car. Races will take place globally during the Formula E tour, with up to 20 cars in the grid at each race. The racers will largely be lower-tier and beginner racers in the FIA Formula series, who will have the chance to prove their talent in the eTrophy series.
The race cars for the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy will be built by Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations center in Warwickshire, UK. A prototype of the new car is on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
"Formula E has grown exponentially since we joined as the first premium manufacturer last year with commitment from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche," said Gerd Mauser, Chairman, Jaguar Racing. "The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy will improve the spectacle for the fans and gives young drivers a ladder into Formula E. We expect our eseries to be a sell-out and an exciting international sporting event."
Technical specifications and a race calendar for the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy will be released in 2018. Jaguar plans to both sell the cars themselves to prospective race teams, and to sell "Arrive and Drive" race packages that are all-inclusive for unsupported racers.
Source: Jaguar Land Rover