Nearly a year after ending production of its combustion-powered cars, Jaguar has unveiled the long-awaited Type 01 EV in New York. Serving as a pivotal model for the company, the new four-door features styling as bold as the Type 00 concept that inspired it and introduces a new chapter for the historic British marque.
Jaguar’s 2021 announcement that it would stop targeting BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz in favor of competing with Porsche and Bentley through an all-electric lineup was met with plenty of skepticism. Such a dramatic change is unusual for a brand with Jaguar’s heritage. Developed over more than half a decade, the Type 01 now represents a make-or-break model for the company.
The radical bodywork sits atop Jaguar’s new Electric Architecture, or JEA. Every Type 01 uses a 118-kWh NMC battery and an 850-volt electrical system. With 350-kW DC fast-charging capability, the EV can replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes.
Power comes from three electric motors producing a combined 1,015 horsepower and 1,007 pound-feet (1,365 Nm) of torque. Jaguar has not yet released acceleration or other performance figures, although the Type 01 should be exceptionally quick. The company quotes an EPA range of 400 miles (644 km).
A Radical Design Statement
The Type 01’s appearance is familiar after Jaguar spent recent months showing lightly camouflaged prototypes. It remains close to the Type 00 concept, though it gains a second pair of doors and slightly softer surfacing. The EV looks unlike any previous road-going Jaguar, clearly delivering the visual statement the brand intended.
The nose omits a conventional grille and instead uses small gloss-black openings low in the front bumper. One notable difference from the concept is a large charging port on the driver-side front fender, an addition that is not especially easy on the eyes.
As with the concept, the Type 01 has a high shoulder line and low roof, leaving the side windows unusually shallow. A large panoramic glass roof extending across all four seats helps keep the cabin from feeling enclosed. Large multi-spoke wheels and flush door handles are joined by conventional wing mirrors, which the concept lacked. Like the concept and the Polestar 4, the Jaguar also does without a rear window.
A Space-Age Interior
The cabin is every bit as unconventional as the exterior. Its bold two-spoke steering wheel, also previewed for the upcoming Range Rover GT, incorporates two large touch surfaces for phone and audio functions. More unusually, Jaguar has avoided the oversized tablet-style infotainment display now common in many EVs.
Instead, the Type 01 uses a broad 24-inch digital instrument display for key vehicle information and navigation.
A small, seven-inch portrait touchscreen sits on the central spine running through the cabin and manages climate and audio functions. There is no conventional rear-view mirror; in its place, a small ClearSight Rear View Display at the base of the windshield provides the rearward view.
Given Jaguar’s ambition to challenge Bentley, the limited number of physical switches and controls is surprising. The minimalist approach is clear, although the first impression is not especially luxurious. The Type 01 does, however, feature a powerful 38-speaker audio system.
Pricing and Availability
Jaguar plans to open the Type 01 order books early next year, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of the year. UK pricing starts at £130,000, while the US version is expected to begin at approximately $130,000.
The Jaguar Type 01 launches the brand’s new electric era with a radical four-door design, a 118-kWh battery, 850-volt architecture and three motors producing 1,015 horsepower. Its minimalist cabin includes a 24-inch display and 38-speaker audio system, while the EV promises 400 miles of range. Orders open early next year, with UK pricing from £130,000 and US pricing expected near $130,000.
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