XJ Switches On To Hybrid Power

By Sam Hardy

19th June 2009

Rivals such as the Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS already come with hybrid power, while petrol-electric versions of the BMW 7-Series and Audi A8 are on the horizon. So, Jaguar is keen not to be left out.

And it’s taking a more revolutionary approach than any of its competitors. Rather than use an electric motor to boost a petrol engine, the Jag system will employ a powerful electric motor to drive the wheels, while a petrol unit acts as a generator.

It’s similar to the Vauxhall Ampera’s set-up, which sees a petrol engine act as a ‘range extender’, running constantly at low speed to keep the batteries charged and boosting the electric motor when needed.

Jaguar has opted for this system as an electric motor is more efficient than an internal combustion engine – and the firm says it is best to drive the wheels with the most efficient power source.

The hybrid will deliver strong, instant performance, and is likely to give a range of 500 miles, virtually emission-free. What’s more, it will be a plug-in system, letting owners recharge by hooking their cars up to the mains. A full hybrid XJ is still some way off, though. In the meantime, Jag is working on brake energy regeneration and stop-start for the XJ’s V8 petrol and V6 turbo-diesel engines.

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