Think Jaguar and sleek saloons come to mind, while Land Rover's tend to conjure up images of muddy off-roading. But Jaguar Land Rover's latest offering is neither. Called Project Vector, these electric pods showcase an 'autonomy-ready' platform that could be used for shuttle people or good around smart cities of the future.
It's part of the company's Destination Zero mission to make the environment cleaner and urban areas and society safer and healthier for all. Zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion, hence the name. Project Vector previews an electric and potentially autonomous vehicle, but it retains a steering wheel for those who still wish to drive.
The boxy shape is key to maximising the interior space for its users but is just as crucial for its potential to be a mixed-use vehicle, like a goods delivery van for zero-emission last-mile journeys. It measures four metres in length, making it shorter than most larger SUVs and all of its battery and drivetrain is housed beneath the floor.
Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, Prof Sir Ralf Speth, said: "Jaguar Land Rover understands the trends shaping modern societies. Project Vector shows Jaguar Land Rover as a leader in innovation to make our societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner. 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."
The future landscape is one of a mixed appearance of vehicles
Dr Tim Leverton, Project Director, said: "The megatrends of urbanisation and digitalisation make connected urban mobility systems necessary and inevitable. Shared and private vehicles will share spaces with and be connected to public transit networks, so you can travel on demand and autonomously. 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.
"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. Our vision shows the vehicle as a flexible part of the urban mobility network that can be adapted for different purposes."
Jaguar Land Rover intends to trial an on-road pilot programme using Project Vector in Coventry from 2021.