Green Source DFW reporter Rita Cook test drove the 2019 all-electric Jaguar I-PACE in Los Angeles recently. Photos courtesy of the Rita Cook.

Dec. 18, 2018

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE did not take home the top honor of the 2018 Supreme Women’s World Car of the Year, but it was ranked in the top six along with the Jaguar E-PACE. [Disclosure: I was one of the judges.]

There is good reason why the I-PACE is turning heads.

I drove a prototype I-PACE a few months ago and took it out for almost a week in Los Angeles to put it to the test. My only complaint was the challenge one still faces with any all-electric car - keeping it charged.

Green Source DFW reporter Rita Cook takes a break in her search for charging stations.

The Jaguar representatives strictly recommend ChargePoint or EVgo charging stations to avoid complication, but finding one of these stations as a visitor to LA became quite daunting when I noticed I only had 50 miles left.

However, this minor issue did not make or break my Jaguar test drive.

Here are some of the stand-out features of the completely all electric I-PACE, which are already being delivered to customers.

The I-PACE is equipped with the North American SAE industry standard charging inlet; SAE J1772 Combined Charging System (CCS), for AC and DC charging.

If needed, a Mode 2 charging cable for home charging is also possible for the buyer to utilize. The cables are usually stored out of the way in an enclosed storage area within the rear cargo floor. 

The battery charger in the car I drove was a prototype – but could accommodate both residential 220V/32A (NEMA 14-50) and 110V/15A (NEMA 5-15) plugs. 

It should be noted too, depending on the type of plug and circuit you have in your home, charge times vary greatly, and a home charge is going to take much more time than a commercially available public charger.

It is also important to note that the amount of energy put into the battery is not linear while charging. Just as with a variety of other electronics these days, the first 80 percent of battery charge will be achieved disproportionately faster than the last 20 percent of battery charge. 

In fact, you will find overall the charge time will take anywhere from 40 minutes when using a commercial 100kW charger to as much as 12 hours when using a domestic 7kW single phase, 230V/32A.

Also, worth mentioning is the range display in the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE, which is in the instrument cluster. The display factors in real-time data such as ambient temperature, recent driving styles and even which accessories are drawing power from the battery.  

Rita Cook charges up the all-electric 2019 Jaguar I-PACE LA style.

As for what draws the power from the battery, that can be anything from the front window defroster to the air conditioning. This becomes important when driving an all-electric vehicle since there are many factors to consider so you don’t end up stranded. 

The I-PACE also offers several different driving modes. The most common one is the default start-up mode Comfort. There is also an Eco and Dynamic mode, each one is selectable on the right-hand side of the center console, below the HVAC controls.

If you go for the Dynamic Mode that will change the display cluster to red and it will increase suspension stiffness, steering weight and feedback. This mode also sharpens pedal response for a sportier driving experience.

The Eco Mode is just that, designed to maximize range. In this mode you can expect a more progressive accelerator pedal map and of course there is the optimizing of energy consumption in the car. This includes the climate control system, which is maintaining occupant comfort and reducing battery load at the same.

This Jaguar all-star also comes with a vehicle creep. This is a good function since instead of a jolting start and stop with no creep, the Creep mode emulates the function of a traditional internal combustion engine with an automatic transmission. With this function turned on, the I-PACE will roll forward at a low speed when the driver’s foot is not on the brake pedal. Do keep in mind, this feature uses battery power and that is one thing you want to preserve as much as possible.

Regarding the regenerative braking modes, the I-PACE uses electric motors as generators when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal. This in turn recharges the battery and can maximize range. There are a variety of modes in the braking process, including the low mode that allows the car to operate in a more traditional manner like coasting on accelerator pedal lift-off. 

The I-PACE offers a bespoke sound design, which can be tailored to your liking. There is a noise cancelling technology like on high-end headphones and that keeps any unnecessary road and drivetrain noise either out or drastically reduced. Not surprising, even the sound system has its share of modes; Default, Calm and Dynamic. 

The I-PACE I drove came equipped with Windsor leather 18-way heated and cool memory front seats with heated rear sets.

Ambient interior lighting is a nice touch inside coupled with a four-zone climate control, cabin air ionization and a driver’s assist package that touts blind spot assist, a 360-surround camera, adaptive cruise control with steering assist and high-speed emergency braking. 

Add to that all the other little extras like an adaptive service response, a head-up display, an activity key and a 22-inch five spoke.   

As I drove this $93,000, 2019 Jaguar I-PACE through the paces, I was impressed. I found the drive experience as well as the interior comfort excellent. Who doesn’t want Jaguar's latest “thing” to be your thing too - turning heads while helping save the Earth.

Stay up to date on everything green in North Texas, including the latest news and events! Sign up for the weekly Green Source DFW Newsletter! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.