JLR launches apps for drivers to get acquainted with electric vehicles

17 July 2018

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the launch of a swath of apps designed to help drivers experience and live with electrified models from the company.

The company has partnered with Plugsurfing to supply a premium charging service for its electric vehicles in selected markets in Europe, while it has launched an intelligent app to help drivers experience life with its all-electric I-Pace before even getting behind the wheel.

Drivers choosing an all-electric Jaguar I-Pace performance SUV will be given free access to the Jaguar Public Charging app, while Range Rover or Range Rover Sport plug-in petrol-electric hybrid (PHEV) customers can download the Land Rover Public Charging app for free. Both apps easily locate 70,000 charging points and pay for the charging session.  Customers will also receive a universal charging card that allows them to use most charging points across Europe.

Through the apps, Jaguar and Land Rover electric vehicle drivers can see whether a charging station is available or occupied. Drivers can choose to rapid charge before reaching their destination or charge at normal speed upon arrival.

Mick Cameron, head of e-Mobility at JLR, comments: ′We are aiming to simplify the charging process through simple accessibility, usability and payment in one solution. With the number of accessible charging points rapidly growing as new operators work with the Plugsurfing network in major markets throughout Europe, it helps our customers to be working with the leading provider.’

There are two packages on offer – a fixed monthly fee or Pay As You Go.  Each package, which includes the universal charging key and app download information, is available through the Jaguar and Land Rover retailer network.

From 2020, JLR plans for all its vehicle models to be electrified. The company believes a portfolio of electrified products across the model range will embrace fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles, giving customers even more choice.

Pre-buying experience

The new Go I-Pace app captures journey data to calculate potential cost savings, show how much battery would be used per trip and tell users how many charges they would need in a week if they were driving the I-Pace.

As it builds a unique picture of a vehicle’s use, the app will even show how many journeys, if any, would have needed a stop to charge the EV’s Lithium-ion battery. Journeys over 50 miles represent only 2% of all UK trips. I-Pace, which has a maximum range of 298 miles, based on WLTP figures, could complete 98%of these using just a fraction of a single charge, the company states.

When opening the app, users can enter the real-world fuel economy of their existing vehicle to calculate the cost savings switching to the I-Pace would deliver. Once enough journeys have been logged, the app will estimate the range drivers can expect to achieve from a full charge. An interactive map allows users to search for the nearest charging points along a chosen route or within a local area.

′Making the switch to EV ownership is a big decision,’ comments Ian Hoban, vehicle line director for the Jaguar I-Pace. ′We’re confident anyone who experiences the I-Pace will relish its engaging driving dynamics, performance, practicality and comfort. What a test drive doesn’t show is the lower running costs and convenience of living with our electric performance SUV on a daily basis. The Go I-Pace app is designed to help potential customers make an informed decision.’