All new Jaguar models will be electric or hybrid by 2020

Jaguar has become the latest car maker to announce it will no longer be offering solely petrol or diesel powered cars in the near future. The company is hosting its first “Tech Fest” at the University of the Art’s Central Saint Martins campus this week, providing visitors with a glimpse into Jaguar’s vision for the future of motoring.

Jaguar Land Rover’s CEO Dr Ralph Speth said: “We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles. Our first fully electric performance SUV, the Jaguar I-PACE, goes on sale next year.”

A number of other car makers have made similar announcements this year. Volvo have said all of its models will be electric or hybrid by 2019, and Ferrari plan to have all their new models built with hybrid engines within two years. All cars sold in the UK will need to be electric or hybrid by 2040 and the Scottish government plans to phase out sales of new solely petrol and diesel cars by 2032 through an expansion in charging facilities.

Jaguar also unveiled the E-Type Zero, an electrified version of the classic Jaguar E-Type. Widely considered one of the most attractive cars ever designed, the Zero was developed by the Jaguar Land Rover’s “Classics” division, the company’s unit which restores and re-imagines classics for the 21st century.

An advanced powertrain develops 220kw and provides the car with enough power to reach 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds.

Tim Hannig, Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic said: “E-type Zero combines the renowned E-type dynamic experience with enhanced performance through electrification. This unique combination creates a breathtaking driving sensation.

“Our aim with E-type Zero is to future-proof classic car ownership. We’re looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market.”

Also revealed to the public for the first time is the Future Type Concept. Described as a “premium compact on-demand vehicle concept”, Jaguar has set out how cars might be able to function in 2040.

Futurists and industry experts have speculated that self-driving technology, and the ongoing shift towards sharing rather owning, may mean we will no longer own cars in the same way we do today. Ride-hailing could become more widespread, with self-driving vehicles requested on-demand. In this vision of the future, the Jaguar “user” summons their car via an intelligent steering wheel which Jaguar says could revolutionise your life. Named after Malcolm Sayer, the designer of the E-Type, the car maker envisages next generation steering wheels as part of our connected lives, much as a smartphone is today.

The company said: “Sayer is the first voice activated AI steering wheel that will be able to carry out hundreds of tasks. The advanced speech recognition software will allow it to answer your questions, connect you to the news, organise your travel and select your entertainment.”