Formula E, Jaguar to launch electric support series

Jaguar has unveiled plans for a fully electric support series – the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY – that will run at select FIA Formula E Championship races starting with FE's fifth season.

The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY would be the first production battery electric vehicle racing series, featuring cars based on Jaguar's first battery electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE performance SUV, which hits the road later next year.

The planned schedule consists of a practice and qualifying session, followed by a 30-minute race.

"Jaguar has been a welcome addition to Formula E and a fantastic advocate for electric street racing," said Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag. "The competition will offer more entertainment for fans in-between sessions and is further testament to the advances in battery technology and exciting electric performance. I hope Jaguar will allow me to bring my race suit and helmet... and maybe get behind the wheel myself!"

Said Jaguar Racing chairman Gerd Mauser: "Jaguar returned to racing in 2016 with the mission 'Race to Innovate.' With the launch of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, we've strengthened our commitment to battery electric vehicles, international motorsport and Formula E. As a British team, we're proud to announce today the launch of the world's first production battery electric vehicle championship. We've always said we want to prove our electrification technologies on the track - this is the proof.

The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY will offer an "Arrive and Drive" package for 20 drivers at each event, including professional technical support, spare parts and equipment. Technical specifications, schedule and participation costs will be released in 2018, with venues and calendar subject to FIA approval.

The announcement follows Jaguar Land Rover's commitment to electrification, with all new models incorporating electric or hybrid technology from 2020.

"Ultimately, this innovative series will enhance the technology in our future electric vehicles and benefit our customers," Mauser said. "Formula E has grown exponentially since we joined as the first premium manufacturer last year, with recent commitments from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.”