Jaguar XJ Limo Green Hybrid Concept

Jaguar has developed a hybrid XJ using the Lotus Range Extender Engine, offering 60 mpg and a range of 600 miles.

A few days ago we reported on the Lotus Range Extender engine, which has been developed as part of the ‘Limo Green’ project, a collaboration between Lotus, Jaguar, Caparo and Mira. The very clever ‘Mono Block’ construction produces a very light, 1.2 litre engine designed to act as a range extender in a hybrid application. And the first fitment is in a new Jaguar XJ.

The Jaguar XJ Limo Green is listed as a one-off concept, but as we reported back in April Jaguar are committed to a hybrid XJ, so this is a little more than just a ‘One-off’. And we had confirmation of the XJ hybrid in June when Jaguar’s Chief Engineer – Kevin Stride – revealed more about their plans.

The XJ Limo-Green uses a 145kw electric motor with 295lb/ft of torque, which is enough to propel the XJ for up to 30 miles. Once the power runs out the Lotus Range Extender Engine – a 1.2 litre unit – kicks in to charge the batteries and extend the range up to 600 miles. The overall fuel consumption is close to 60mpg and emissions are just 120g/km.

This concept – using the electric motor as the principle form of propulsion and the engine as a means of charging it – is the opposite of how most hybrid systems work, and is exactly what Kevin Stride was referring to in June when he said that current hybrids have it all wrong. He said – quite rightly – that current hybrids only really work around town, because as soon as the engine is pushed they become far less economical. By keeping the engine at a constant speed and utilising it to generate power for the electric motor you get a car that is fuel efficient regardless of load.

The Limo Green Jaguar is a fully functional concept, and Jaguar are planning on testing the hybrid XJ in full in the New Year. We should expect to see a production XJ hybrid by 2011.

Source: Autocar