Jaguar Land Rover has firmly denied recent reports suggesting the brand is considering a return to hybrid or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The company insists it remains fully committed to its planned transition to an all-electric luxury brand, calling suggestions otherwise “rubbish.”
Initial Reports and Jaguar’s Response
On January 24, 2026, The Sunday Times published an article claiming Jaguar was exploring extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains – essentially hybrids – as a potential future option. This report sparked speculation about a possible strategy shift, especially given Jaguar’s 2024 announcement to halt ICE vehicle production entirely.
However, Jaguar promptly dismissed these claims. A company spokesperson told Autocar that their plans for a fully electric luxury lineup are unchanged. They highlighted positive feedback from prototype passenger rides and confirmed the upcoming unveiling of their first new electric model later this year.
The Type 00 Concept and Jaguar’s New Positioning
The brand’s electric renaissance will be led by a production version of the striking Type 00 concept car. This high-performance, four-door GT boasts over 1,000 horsepower (746kW) and represents Jaguar’s bold rebranding strategy from 2024, including a modernized logo.
Jaguar is deliberately positioning itself as a premium, all-electric competitor to Bentley, distancing itself from its former rivals BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. The last petrol-powered Jaguar, a black F-Pace SVR, rolled off the production line in Solihull, England, in December 2025 – marking a clear break with its ICE past.
A Contrasting Trend in the Automotive Industry
Jaguar’s unwavering commitment to EVs stands in contrast to several other automakers, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, which have recently revised their timelines for phasing out ICE vehicles.
For example, Volvo Australia initially aimed for exclusive EV sales by 2026 (ahead of a global 2030 target), but has since adjusted its plans due to slower EV adoption and continued demand for hybrid vehicles in key markets like Australia and North America. The company now plans to offer hybrid models beyond 2030, abandoning its previous EV-only goal.
Jaguar’s firm stance emphasizes that while other brands may be hedging their bets, the company is doubling down on its all-electric future. This could prove a high-risk, high-reward strategy, as the EV market matures.
The exact timing for Australian showroom arrivals of the new electric Jaguar remains unconfirmed, but the brand’s direction is clear: it is betting entirely on electric luxury.
