What Is 2018-19 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018-19 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy was an all-electric single-make racing series launched by Jaguar Land Rover, featuring identical Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy race cars. The inaugural season ran from December 2018 to July 2019, supporting Formula E race weekends with 10 global events.

Key Facts

The 2018-19 I-Pace eTrophy season began in December 2018 in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy cars produce 400 horsepower and accelerate 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds
The race series supported 10 Formula E events across five continents
All 20 cars were identical, built to FIA safety standards with carbon-fiber roll cages
The inaugural champion was Sérgio Jimenez from Brazil, driving for Jaguar Brazil Racing

Overview

The 2018-19 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy marked the debut of the first official electric racing series by Jaguar, showcasing the brand’s commitment to electrification and performance. Designed as a support series for the FIA Formula E Championship, it featured identical, high-performance I-Pace-based race cars competing on international street circuits.

Backed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team, the series aimed to promote electric vehicle technology while offering competitive motorsport. With a mix of professional drivers and young talents, the championship emphasized accessibility, sustainability, and innovation in electric racing.

Launched in December 2018, the series kicked off in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, as a support race for the Formula E season opener.
Each race car was based on the production Jaguar I-Pace SUV but modified for track performance with enhanced cooling and aerodynamics.
The series featured 20 identical race-prepped vehicles, ensuring competition was based on driver skill rather than technical advantage.
Races were held over 10 rounds across five continents, including locations in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, France, Monaco, and the USA.
Jaguar provided technical support and training, with teams including factory-backed entries and privateer squads from regions like Brazil and Asia.

How It Works

The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy series operated as a single-make championship, meaning all competitors used the same vehicle platform, ensuring close racing and a level playing field. Each car was engineered for durability, performance, and safety under FIA regulations.

Powertrain: The race cars are powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 400 horsepower, enabling 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.
Battery Capacity: Each vehicle uses a 81 kWh lithium-ion battery, slightly smaller than the road car’s 90 kWh unit to reduce weight and optimize performance.
Charging System: During events, cars were recharged using 50 kW DC fast chargers, with full recharge taking approximately 90 minutes.
Race Format: Each round consisted of a 30-minute sprint race with a mandatory pit stop for driver change in endurance events.
Safety Features: Cars included a FIA-spec roll cage, six-point harness, and fire suppression system to meet international motorsport safety standards.
Driver Eligibility: The series welcomed both professional drivers and select rookies, with age limits between 17 and 55 and mandatory FIA licensing.

Comparison at a Glance

How does the I-Pace eTrophy stack up against other electric racing series? The table below compares key technical and operational aspects.

Series	Vehicle Type	Horsepower	Battery (kWh)	Rounds (2018-19)
Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy	SUV-based race car	400 hp	81	10
Formula E Gen2	Open-wheel prototype	250 kW (335 hp)	54	13
Porsche Formula E	Open-wheel prototype	250 kW (335 hp)	54	13
Extreme E	Off-road SUV	400 hp	55	5
Teddy Auto eSeries	Simulated electric sedan	N/A	N/A	8

The I-Pace eTrophy stands out for using a production-based SUV platform, unlike the purpose-built open-wheel cars of Formula E. This makes it a unique bridge between road-going EVs and motorsport, emphasizing real-world relevance and brand identity.

Why It Matters

The 2018-19 I-Pace eTrophy wasn’t just a racing series—it was a statement about the future of electric mobility and motorsport. By aligning with Formula E, Jaguar elevated its brand in the EV space while fostering new talent and sustainable innovation.

The series demonstrated real-world EV performance under extreme conditions, helping dispel range and reliability myths.
Jaguar used the platform to test battery cooling and energy management systems now applied in consumer vehicles.
It provided a launchpad for diverse drivers, including women and emerging-market talents, enhancing inclusivity in motorsport.
The eTrophy series helped boost I-Pace sales by increasing visibility and public engagement with electric performance.
It contributed to Jaguar’s sustainability goals, with all events following a zero-waste-to-landfill policy.
The program laid groundwork for future electric series, influencing Extreme E and Formula E’s Gen3 regulations.

The 2018-19 season set a benchmark for manufacturer-led electric racing, combining competition, technology, and environmental responsibility in a way that continues to shape the future of motorsport.