As Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle, the I-PACE, starts making its debut to customers, they’re gaining valuable hands-on experience with the innovative ride.
As the Hyundai Kona Electric’s cousin, the Ioniq I-Tempo’s official EPA range of 234 miles sparks debate over its efficiency and range, with critics questioning whether it can truly deliver on its promises.
Earlier this year, a British automaker announced its new automobile, featuring a 90-kilowatt-hour battery capable of delivering an estimated range of around 240 miles, although noting that this figure did not represent the official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate.
The Infiniti QX55’s electric counterpart, the I-Tempo, boasts a WLTP-certified range of approximately 292 miles in European markets.
While WLTP has proven to be a more accurate measurement standard than NEDC, it remains challenging for consumers to determine the officially stated range of most available electric vehicles.
In the case of the Hyundai Kona Electric I-Tempo, some homeowners have achieved remarkable results by pushing their range to nearly match the manufacturer’s specifications only through the implementation of several crucial energy-saving strategies.
While it’s theoretically possible to maintain a range of approximately 230 miles, this feat demands a consistently slow pace of less than 60 mph (100 km/h), a constraint that significantly hampers practicality.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Jaguar’s official ranking within the US reveals a remarkable feat: its electric vehicle is capable of traveling up to 234 miles on a single charge, with the company itself requesting this figure to be reduced, and boasting an efficiency rating of 76 MPGe.
Here’s a direct comparison of the automobile to its predecessors: Compared to the 2016 Model X 90D, which shares the same energy capacity, and more recent Model X 75D and 100D models, widely regarded as the I-Tempo’s closest electric rivals.
While the automobile appears to be a smaller version compared to Tesla’s flagship SUV, the reality remains that it is significantly less environmentally friendly compared to the Model X.
Venkat Viswanathan, a professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, recently scrutinized the I-Tempo’s claims and concluded that “the numbers just don’t seem to align.”
He suggests that the true battery capacity might be closer to approximately 74 kilowatt-hours of usable potential.
Automotive manufacturers deliberately limit the overall capacity of their battery packs to allow for a buffer against potential degradation and extend the lifespan of the battery pack.
Tesla’s battery packs boasting a total capacity of 75 kWh exhibit an actual usable capacity of 72.6 kWh, largely dependent on the Battery Management System (BMS) employed in its vehicles.
While Jaguar has acknowledged using a buffer, it disputes Viswanathan’s claim that this constitutes approximately 20 percent of the pack.
The Jaguar I-PACE boasts a nominal capacity of 90 kWh and an actual usable range of approximately 84.7 kWh. Unlike traditional batteries in electric vehicles, the I-PACE’s high-voltage lithium-ion pack must operate within a specific state-of-charge range to maintain optimal health, precluding both full discharge to 0% or continuous charging up to 100%. This is crucial for sustaining the battery’s overall efficiency and durability. “We manage the depth of vitality discharge through a sophisticated array of environmental and driver inputs, ultimately designed to maintain optimal cell health and consistent energy efficiency throughout the battery’s lifespan.”
Without further clarification, there remains uncertainty surrounding the reason why the I-Tempo appears significantly less environmentally friendly than its peers, save for its marginally less streamlined shape.
Electrek’s Take
I’d love to incorporate more authentic details into this context. Despite the slow rollout, we’ve been unable to test the I-Temp’s endurance by driving it over long distances since our press trip last summer?
If you own a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and possess valuable insights about the vehicle, kindly share them with me.
Typically, distances exceeding 200 miles are often considered more than ample.
You shouldn’t experience excessive anxiety, though… it’s not the removal of variance that reduces anxiety. Consistency and precise updates blended with access to reliable charging infrastructure help alleviate anxiety about varying circumstances.
Drivers seek to rely on what their automobiles inform them about staying varied? You can always be assured of reaching a cost level whenever you want. That’s a crucial consideration.
I’m eager to spend more time evaluating the I-Tempo and provide a comprehensive update in the future. What’s next for Jaguar?
