Small, smart and autonomous-ready EV concept unveiled by Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a compact, “urban-centric,” and “autonomous ready” zero-emissions concept vehicle, as part of the global car maker’s vision of an electric and connected driving future.

The battery-electric Project Vector concept was unveiled on Tuesday in the central England city of Coventry, where the car will be used in collaboration with the local council as part of a “future mobility service,” starting next year.

Jaguar Land Rover says the compact, flexible vehicle concept has been designed specifically for city driving, at just four metres in length, and with its battery and drivetrain components packed neatly into a flat floor.

“The revolutionary interior cabin space allows seating configurations for private, or shared use and even the opportunity for commercial applications, such as last-mile deliveries,” the company said.

It will also be used to explore how customers connect with mobility services, and to further develop the infrastructure required to enable fully integrated autonomous vehicles.

On this front, JLR will work with the Coventry City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority from late 2021 to create “a living laboratory” for future mobility on the city’s streets.

The project’s director, Tim Leverton, said the team’s joint vision was to show the vehicle as a flexible part of the urban mobility network that could be adapted for different purposes.

“Future urban travel will be a composite of owned and shared vehicles, access to ride-hailing and on-demand services as well as public transport,” Dr Leverton said.

“That is a complex task, best achieved by working together with partners across the spectrum of vehicles, infrastructure and the digital world.

“With the technology and engineering power of Jaguar Land Rover, we can provide a unique opportunity for innovators to develop highly-functional urban mobility services, seamlessly integrated into everyday life.”

For Jaguar Land Rover, the concept car is part of the automaker’s so-called Destination Zero mission, which aims lock in a future of “zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion” through its products, services and facilities.

“Project Vector is precisely the brave and innovative leap forward needed to deliver on our mission,” said Jaguar Land Rover chief, Ralf Speth, at the concept launch.

“Through this project, we are collaborating with the brightest minds in academia, supply chain and digital services, to create connected, integrated mobility systems – the fundamental building blocks for Destination Zero.”