The Jaguar i-Pace electric SUV is one of the most futuristic production cars on sale, so the update it’s just received is incremental rather than groundbreaking: it can now be charged more quickly, has better infotainment software and…well that’s about it.
So, the charging then. The i-Pace now features three-phase AC charging, which means that any owner with a three-phase facility at their home (or wherever) can get their battery charged from empty in just under nine hours – a rate of 33 miles of range per hour.
Most homes have a single phase electrical supply, meaning a 7kW wall box is the quickest charge available, which is capable of 22 miles per hour. But the i-Pace update means that those with access to three-phase supply – mostly found at offices and commercial sites – can charge their car 50% faster.
In addition the i-Pace can take proper fast charging, up to 100kW, meaning 78 miles of range can be added to the battery in just 15 minutes. A 50kW charger would add half that amount (39 miles) in the same time. The i-Pace battery itself is unchanged, still a 90kWh unit offering a theoretical range of 292 miles using the WLTP test.
The other main change is the addition of the so-called Pivi Pro infotainment setup that debuted in the Land Rover Defender. This is the first Jaguar product to get the system, which is, we’re informed, inspired by smartphones. Hallelujah! You’d be amazed how unintuitive and non-smartphone-like so many in-car infotainment systems are, in this writer’s experience.
Aside from a more intuitive operating system, Pivi Pro starts up much faster than the old system, can show drivers which charging stations are free in real time using ‘software over the air’ functionality, and has Spotify built in. It also incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
No design changes to the i-Pace, although a digital rear view mirror (called Clearsight) is now available, and some new colours and wheel designs.
An i-Pace will set you back from £65,000.
Keyword: Jaguar i-Pace updated a bit, now charges more quickly