Next generation Jaguar XJ will be available as a plug-in hybrid

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It seems that every automaker is thinking about going electric. Just recently Jaguar got a $407.8 million loan from the European Investment Bank so that the automaker could develop a luxury plug-in hybrid based on the next-generation XJ.

This plug-in hybrid will be very similar to the upcoming Chevrolet Volt/Opel Ampera.

Just like the Volt it will be a range-extended electric vehicle. As it will be more luxurious and with a higher price it will compete directly with the Fisker Karma, that goes on sale already end of this year.

Expected range from the lithium-ion battery is 30 miles (48 km), after that a small combustion engine will kick in to charge the battery. Top speed will be around 112 mph (180 km/h). Jaguar targets a fuel efficiency of 57 mpg (4.1-liter per 100 km).

This new electric powertrain is developed together with Lotus Engieering, MIRA and Caparo. Jaguar hopes to start the production of the plug-in XJ in 2011, a year after the new XJ is launched.

Source: AutoCar