Jaguar has successfully completed a long-distance journey between Johannesburg and Durban using its recently announced Powerway charging network in an all-electric I-PACE.
The pre-production Jaguar I-PACE, in South Africa for testing and homologation purposes, began its trip with a fully topped-up 90kWh battery at the Jaguar Centurion dealership in Gauteng recently.
Roughly three hours later, after travelling almost 310km of the N1 and N3 Powerways towards Durban, the 298kW electric SUV made a stop to recharge at the now publicly available 60kW fast charger installed at the familiar Bergview rest stop complex in Harrismith.
The Jaguar I-PACE’s battery was replenished to 100% capacity at the Jaguar Powerway fast charger in just enough time for its driver to enjoy breakfast and a rest at the nearby selection of restaurants. The recharge was billed at roughly quarter the cost of full tanks of petrol or diesel in SUVs with similar power outputs.
The Jaguar I-PACE completed its inter-city road trip 306km later at the Durban Marina where it posed alongside the harbour’s yachts for some celebratory photographs. The intention of the trip was to prove the practicality of an EV combined with the new Jaguar Powerway charging infrastructure announced earlier this month. The Jaguar Powerway makes long journeys possible and practical in an EV.
The journey was designed to replicate a holiday seeker’s Durban road trip as closely as possible and national speed limits were adhered to at all times.
