British luxury car manufacturer Jaguar, poised to transition entirely to electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming year, has announced it will cease production of its internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by June, marking the beginning of an era dominated by pricey yet powerful EVs. Meeting strains arise as the company struggles to transition to a fully new electric vehicle (EV) platform, effectively abandoning the troubled I-Tempo’s underlying architecture.
As Jaguar seeks to redefine itself in the modern era, it’s simultaneously giving up on the I-PACE, along with its entire lineup of gasoline-and-diesel-powered road cars. Meanwhile, four JLR vehicles remain available in the US market: the XF sedan, as well as three SUVs – the E-Tempo, F-Tempo, and Range Rover Velar – with no electric offerings listed at this time. Manufacturing of the electric vehicle model will cease in June, while production of the I-Tempo will continue until next year is certain.
With a history of seemingly endless problems, including a recall last year due to battery fire risk, the I-Tempo’s reliability has been called into question. The recommended driving range for a luxury vehicle starting at $73,775 in the US is approximately 286 miles.
As part of its electrification strategy, Jaguar plans to introduce a new generation of high-performance battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2025, following guidance from North American CEO Joe Eberhardt, who emphasized that JLR is deliberately phasing out its existing models as it transitions to electric power.
The last opportunities to purchase the F-Type sports car have their orders being finalized, with production set to continue until June for the F-Tempo midsize crossover, E-Tempo compact crossover, and XF sedan. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, manufactured under contract in Austria by Magna Steyr, is expected to complete production of its final units sometime early next year. While the corporation contemplates stockpiling cars to ensure a steady supply for dealerships, details on exactly how this strategy will unfold remain unclear under Eberhardt’s leadership.
“By June, we will have discontinued production of nearly all our merchandise,” Eberhardt explained, “but rest assured that these items will remain on sale for an extended period.” “We’re aiming to establish a manufacturing plan that ensures a consistent supply of vehicles until the latest models arrive. Our goal is to perfectly time our production schedule, ensuring we have an adequate inventory to see us through to the launch of the new product and guarantee a seamless transition.”
By the end of this year, Jaguar’s UK-based Fort Bromwich facility, currently responsible for assembling the F-Pace, XE, and XF models, will pivot its operations to produce body panels for all Jaguar vehicles once car production at the site comes to a close.
Jaguar is poised to unveil its inaugural next-generation electric vehicle, a luxurious four-door grand tourer boasting a price tag exceeding £100,000 ($127,000) and an astonishing output of more than 575 horsepower, setting the bar high for its most potent highway performer ever. The upcoming GT is expected to feature all-wheel drive technology and boast a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of under 4 seconds. The electric vehicle is expected to offer rapid charging capabilities and boast an impressive range of up to 434 miles (700 km).
Prior to that, Jaguar had been on the cusp of building something similar just a few years ago with its fully electric XJ, but it was ultimately scrapped in 2021 following substantial development work, at a reported “nine-figure” cost. The all-new electric vehicle is expected to be a clean slate from its cancelled predecessor, with Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s longtime design chief, overseeing the styling process.
The upcoming GT model will be the lead production variant built upon Jaguar’s innovative Electric Vehicle architecture, known as the Jaguar Electrical Structure (JEA). Two JEA-based crossovers are expected to join the GT lineup shortly after its debut. The GT is expected to make its debut later this year, with production commencing next year.
Jaguar defies industry trend by announcing it won’t provide direct sales in the US. In the United States, customers can access next-generation vehicles through authorized dealerships.