Jaguar To Announce Huge Investment In UK Electric Car Manufacturing
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is expected to shortly announce its intentions to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in the UK automotive sector. The company will modify its Castle Bromwich plant to build three all-electric models.
Jaguar already manufacturers the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace and is expected to launch an electric version of the Jaguar XJ saloon in 2020 which will be manufactured at the Castle Bromwich site.
The announcement is expected to be made on Friday 5thJuly. The story was first reported by the Sunday times. JLR is expected to make a series of battery electric vehicles in the UK.
e-zoomed view
JLR is moving swiftly in cementing its dominance in the fast evolving electric vehicle sector. The company’s first all-electric SUV, the Jaguar I-Pace has been a strong start for the manufacturer. The model has received a number of prestigious industry awards, to include the World Car of the Year. JLR is already manufacturing hybrid engines in the UK.
The sale of all types of low emission vehicles will help the company compensate for the loss of sales from diesel cars. Diesel makes up a significant portion of the company’s sales.
This is also much needed good news for the struggling UK automotive sector. The industry has been blighted by the negative implications as a result of Brexit and has struggled to attract investment.
Tesla’s Success Is A Litmus Test For The UK Electric Vehicle Industry
Tesla, the California based automotive manufacturer has achieved a record production of 87,048 electric vehicles and record deliveries of 95,200 in the second quarter of 2019.
Despite the success, the company continues to face challenges, to include a reduction in workforce, the departure of leading management and investigations related to fatal crashes in Tesla EVs.
Tesla has been selling cars for a decade and in 2018 was the leading global electric car manufacturer to include the UK. The future success of the UK EV industry is dependent on the success of companies like Tesla.
e-zoomed view
We do not agree with this view. Yes, Tesla has without an iota of doubt emerged as a leading brand in electric cars, but it certainly is not the only brand or automotive manufacturer in this space.
The success of Tesla will certainly help increase the confidence of the UK electric vehicle sector, however, the failure of Tesla will not result in the failing of the UK electric vehicle sector. The most successful EV in the UK is the Nissan Leaf and other models like the BMWi3, Jaguar I-Pace and Renault Zoe will continue to play an important role in the growth and maturity of the UK EV sector. So, bottom-line the success of Tesla will certainly help but its demise will not derail the UK EV sector.
Honda E UK Specs Revealed: More Details Confirmed About Awesome Electric City Car
The Japanese manufacturer, Honda has released further details on its all-electric car, the Honda E. The EV is expected to go on sale in the UK later this year. The design of this city model blends the retro with the modern.
The Honda electric model has followed the Audi e-tron decision to replace the side view mirrors with cameras. The replacement reduces drag by up to 90%. The model comes with a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery with a 124 miles range on a single charge. It is expected to be priced over £30,000.
e-zoomed view
The momentum continues unabated as leading global automotive manufacturers continue to announce new all-electric models. 2019 has already witnessed a significant number of such announcements and this is certainly positive news for the global electric vehicle sector. In regards to the Honda e, further assessment will need to be done by e-zoomed, but in our view there are other EV models that can deliver more value for the expected price tag for the Honda e.
