Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has inaugurated its new Future Energy Lab, a £250 million state-of-the-art facility designed to test electric vehicles (EVs). Situated at JLR’s Whitley Engineering Centre in Coventry, this 323,000 sq. ft. site will become an epicenter for the development of electric drive units (EDUs) intended for JLR’s forthcoming pure electric vehicles, including the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar models.
Why It Matters
The unveiling of the Future Energy Lab signifies JLR’s commitment to advancing electrification in the luxury car market. It underscores the brand’s ambition to introduce nine new pure electric luxury models by the end of the decade. This new facility will act as a cornerstone in the company’s Reimagine Strategy, focusing on an all-electric automotive future.
Key Points
- Investment and Job Creation: The establishment of this facility translates to the creation of 350 new positions.
- Technological Advancements: The site boasts £40 million worth of tech innovations, featuring electric test rigs, EDU manufacturing, and EV system test cells.
- Extreme Weather Testing: The facility is equipped with climate chambers that can simulate temperatures ranging from -40°C to 55°C.
- Sustainability Goals: The centralized testing location minimizes the need to ship prototype cars globally, thereby reducing costs and associated emissions.
- Future Investments: JLR plans an additional £22m investment next year to enhance the Coventry site further.
Bottom Line
The Future Energy Lab is more than just a testing facility; it’s a testament to JLR’s dedication to pioneering an electrified automotive future. Not only does this move strengthen JLR’s industrial preparedness for electrification, but it also promises significant economic uplift for the region. As JLR takes the reins of its EDU development, the luxury car manufacturer is poised to assume more control over its supply chain, granting it the agility to adapt its electric units as needed. This development, as noted by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, places the region at the forefront of automotive innovation and electrification.
