Once-deemed “Tesla killer” Jaguar I-PACE to be retired in 2025: report

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There was a time when the Jaguar I-PACE was considered a “Tesla Killer.” Produced by a respected veteran automaker and equipped with a stunning design that’s was sure to turn heads, the I-PACE was an all-electric vehicle that seemed perfectly poised to challenge Tesla. It seemed, at least for some time, like the perfect counterattack to Tesla’s onslaught of Silicon Valley-styled electric cars. 

The I-PACE seemed like it had wind in its sails too. The all-electric SUV and “Tesla Killer” swept automotive awards left and right, winning 62 international accolades, including the esteemed 2019 World Car of the Year award. It also brought home the Best Design and Best Green Car awards. This was a notable accomplishment for the I-PACE, especially considering that the Tesla Model 3 was already on sale at the time. 

Yet as per recent comments to Autocar UK by JLR CEO Adrian Mardell, the Jaguar I-PACE will no longer be part of the firm’s all-electric lineup. It will also be taken off sale before the firm’s relaunch in 2025, along with the rest of its current model range. Interestingly enough, Mardell’s predecessor, Thierry Bolloré’s, has previously hinted that the I-PACE will be made “better and better.” 

Jaguar has not revealed the exact date when the I-PACE will be retired, though the company has noted that it will reveal its next-generation vehicles in late 2024. The vehicles, which are expected to be built on the company’s JEA electric architecture, are expected to be launched in 2025. 

“We don’t want the product to be out of the market for too long, particularly the electrified one (I-PACE). Now we’re waiting for the confidence in JEA. Right now, people are telling me it’s going to be in the first half of 2025. That’s just under two years away. I’d be more confident in that response when we’re nine to 12 months away. So we’ve got time – we’ve got nine to 12 months – to work through these decisions,” Mardell said. 

While the I-PACE may be on its way out, Mardell noted that the vehicle has served the automaker well. Even today, the I-PACE is sold mainly in the UK and mainland Europe to help the company comply with emissions targets. The vehicle has also helped the company steer the development of other EVs. This suggests that the company’s next EVs would be built, in a way, on the back of the Jaguar I-PACE program. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads-up. 

Once-deemed “Tesla killer” Jaguar I-PACE to be retired in 2025: report

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Tesla China preparing for Model 3 Project Highland launch: report

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Tesla has been pretty quiet about the development and release of the Model 3’s highly anticipated Project Highland update. Despite this, Tesla China appears to be adopting some strategies which suggest that the upcoming vehicle’s release is closing in. 

The electric vehicle maker has been putting some serious effort into making the current iteration of the Model 3 more compelling to consumers. Model 3 inventory vehicles were offered an RMB 8,000 insurance subsidy. An increased insurance incentive was also offered for the all-electric sedan. 

As per a recent report from China Securities Journal, Tesla China is currently setting the stage for the first deliveries of the revamped Model 3, which will reportedly be held as early as September. Citing a salesperson from the electric vehicle maker, the publication noted that customers today are reportedly being encouraged by Tesla to pay RMB 1,000 (around $137) for a Model 3 reservation. 

Customers who pay this amount are reportedly given the option of taking delivery of a current generation Tesla Model 3 with all the incentives that are being offered today, or waiting for a Model 3 Project Highland unit. Customers who reportedly opt to wait for a Project Highland unit will still be able to take advantage of referral incentives, but not the other perks offered for the vehicle today. 

The publication also reported that customers who choose to wait for the Model 3 Project Highland are locked into the current price of the all-electric vehicle. This suggests that even if Tesla launches the new Model 3 at a higher price, those who have placed reservations for the vehicle could acquire them for the price of the current-generation Model 3. China Securities Journal noted that so far, more customers in China are opting to wait for the Project Highland option. 

The Model 3’s Project Highland update is expected to introduce a number of key changes to the vehicle, from a revamped exterior to a new infotainment system that seems to be based on the Model S and Model X. The vehicle is reportedly designed so that it could be produced in a more cost-efficient manner as well. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads-up. 

Tesla China preparing for Model 3 Project Highland launch: report

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Tesla’s Standard Range strategy for Model S, X puts pressure on Lucid

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Tesla’s Standard Range strategy with its flagship Model S and Model X is going to put pressure on the automakers that are emphasizing performance with their vehicles, especially Lucid Group, which has targeted Tesla’s two luxury vehicles with its lineup of Air sedan configurations.

Last night, Tesla officially added Standard Range versions of the S and X to its Design Studio, offering its luxury, high-performance vehicles to customers for a hefty discount. The performance metrics remained the same, the only difference was a reduction in range — 310 miles for the Model S, and 269 miles for the Model X.

Tesla Model S and Model X now more affordable with Standard Range variants

These two new configuration options from Tesla will have those on the ropes between Elon Musk’s company and Lucid, run by former Model S team member Peter Rawlinson, at a crossroads. However, the decision may be easier than ever before.

But the consequences Lucid might feel from Tesla’s new, cheaper configurations are more explicit than ever before. Tesla’s Long Range and Plaid configurations of the S and X were priced relatively similar to Lucid’s top-of-the-line offerings in the Air sedan.

The Model S Plaid comes in at $108,490 before options, and the Lucid Air Grand Touring, the most comparable to the Model S Plaid (within the same price range), is $125,600.

The Model S Plaid has a 1.99-second 0-60 MPH rate, while Lucid’s Air GT will get you there in 2.6 seconds. It trumps the Model S in range, offering 516 miles, while Tesla’s option is still nothing to bat an eye at, with 396 miles.

But now, pricing comes into focus, and undercutting the Air’s Pure configuration that starts at $82,400 by pricing a new Model S at $78,490 may make things a little easier for consumers and a little more difficult for Lucid.

Lucid missed consensus estimates on vehicle deliveries in Q2, as 1,404 cars made their way to customers. FactSet expected 2,000 cars, and struggling with demand, the last thing it needed was an automaker like Tesla to undercut its products with something superior for less money.

In terms of range, the Air is the best that you can get. But it is about more than that, including the vehicle’s ability to function as a daily driver. Lucid customers have reported issues with software in their vehicles, and as it has been a pain point for many automakers in the early development of EVs, it is something people just don’t want to deal with.

Tesla has its own issues, of course. People have recently come forth with claims that their cars get significantly lower range than they are rated for, and, depending on the person, Elon Musk is a touchy subject.

However, some people don’t give a damn about what the CEO does, they just want a car that works well and is priced reasonably. Lucid may have taken a drastic step back with Tesla’s new Model S and Model X trims. Pressure is being applied to rivals of Tesla through the company’s various price cuts in nearly every market.

In the U.S., Tesla put everyone in the hot seat early this year with massive price cuts, and it was up to the manufacturers to play ball or take their chances. Ford followed with price cuts of its own, and Lucid did, too.

Lucid introduces new $7,500 discount as EV price war heats up

However, their strategy did not translate to an overwhelming number of sales, and Lucid cut its delivery expectations to just 10,000 units in Q1, despite having over 28,000 reservations for its cars.

Tesla’s new rollout could be a true gut punch to Lucid as its Model S and Model X Standard Range offerings will give consumers one more reason to pick the unequivocal leader in EVs.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

Tesla’s Standard Range strategy for Model S, X puts pressure on Lucid

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