Watch Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY all-electric race car prototype take its first lap

Jaguar is preparing to launch its all-electric racing championship based on production electric car with the I-PACE SUV.

Their race car prototype did its first lap at the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in Berlin last weekend.

Founder and CEO of Formula E Alejandro Agag had the honor of being the first to race the all-electric vehicle on the Formula E track.

He said about the experience:

The eTROPHY car feels great – it looks like a production road vehicle with the performance of a racecar. This series is all about bringing new innovative technology to a wider audience, and the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY is a perfect platform to do this alongside Formula E. I’ve been a strong supporter of Jaguar since they joined the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and it’s been exciting to help shape the future of the sport alongside them. I look forward to seeing more of these cars line-up on the grid next season.

Agag completed five laps in front of the Formula E crowds in Berlin

Here’s some footage from the event:

Michelin also recently did some tests with the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY all-electric race car prototype at the Michelin Technology Centre in Ladoux, France, and released a video about it:

 The production version of the I-PACE was unveiled earlier this year and it will arrive at dealerships in a few months.

The racing versions feature some modifications including “chassis set-up, powertrain performance, energy management and aerodynamics tuning,” according to Jaguar.

The eTROPHY championship will start with the 2018/19 season 5 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. The full race calendar will be revealed later this year.

Electrek’s Take

I think this is going to be a great way of showcasing electric vehicles and specifically the I-PACE.

Jaguar reportedly plans for the vehicle to be made in somewhat low volumes. Therefore, I am not sure they would actually need the advertising that much, especially since it is already being well-received by people who had the chance to test, which we are going to do next month.

But it’s nonetheless a great way promote EVs – building on the early success of the Formula E.

Electric GT is trying to do the same thing with its Tesla racing championship, which should start around the same time as the eTROPHY championship.

Maybe we are going to see them compete on the same track one day. It would be interesting.