Jaguar Land Rover trademarks I-Type, I-Pace names

Jaguar Land Rover files trademarks for I-Pace and I-Type names, hinting new electric cars are currently under development.

Word is out that Jaguar Land Rover has filed trademarks for three new names – I-Pace, I-Type and Velar. Barring the last one, the other two indicate that the group will soon launch electrified versions of their current models, or, there could be an entirely new electric model range in the works.

After confirming its entry in the 2016 FIA Formula E World Championship in December 2015, it was reported that the group wants to use this as a platform to develop electric cars in the future. The company is expected to unveil its first-ever fully electric vehicle in the second half of 2016, while it plans to put it on sale by 2017. Reportedly, the first production electric car by the group will be a mini-SUV/crossover, although it’s still unclear if it will come branded as a Land Rover or a Jaguar.

The trademarked I-Pace moniker in that case could well represent the group’s first electric crossover in the coming time. Also, it could be the electrified version of the F-Pace - which as per earlier rumors was to be called the E-Pace.

Coming to the I-Type, it could be an electrified derivative of the F-Type sports car but that seems unlikely. Instead, it could represent an entire new range of electric vehicles by the group. Some reports also suggest that the I-Type will represent the electric versions of the XE or XJ sedan.

As for the last name – Velar, it roots back to 1969 when Range Rover used the name for the first time on one of its prototypes. It could be that the company is planning to introduce the Velar nameplate back again - probably in one of the special editions in the coming time.

Also read: Why jaguar Chose Formula E over F1?