Jaguar is reportedly exploring a possible U-turn in its push to become an all-electric car brand amid concerns about demand for electric vehicles and the ongoing backlash over its controversial rebrand.
According to sources cited by the Sunday Times, Jaguar has commissioned engineers in the UK to study the development of a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that could be offered alongside its upcoming electric models. The move would mark a significant departure from the company’s stated goal of only selling battery-electric cars.
The project will focus on a so-called range-extender electric vehicle (REEV), a configuration in which a small gasoline engine acts solely as a generator to charge the battery, rather than directly driving the wheels. Proponents say the technology can alleviate “range anxiety” by enabling long total driving distances without relying entirely on charging infrastructure.
The reported initiative comes after a tumultuous period for the brand, which faced public criticism over its all-electric relaunch and high-profile rebrand, along with a cyberattack last August and an executive reshuffle.
Late last year, Jaguar Land Rover appointed PB Balaji as CEO, moving him from parent company Tata Motors to oversee Jaguar’s strategic realignment.
Jaguar’s first model in the refresh, a £120,000-£140,000 electric grand tourer, is due to be unveiled this summer and recently completed testing in extremely cold weather near the Arctic Circle. When asked last month whether Jaguar might rethink its all-electric plans, chief executive Rawdon Glover insisted the company remained “100 per cent committed to an all-electric future”.
A Jaguar spokesperson reiterated this position, saying: “Our plans to reinvent Jaguar as a fully electric automotive brand remain unchanged.”
Range extender vehicles have gained traction in China, where brands like Leapmotor offer models with ranges of more than 600 miles. While REEVs represent only a small share of new electric vehicle sales, analysts expect the technology to grow in the U.S. as a transition step toward full electrification.
However, the concept has been largely overlooked in Europe since early experiments such as the Vauxhall Ampera, which was launched in the UK in 2012 under the General Motors umbrella. Despite winning European Car of the Year honors, the Ampera was discontinued in 2015 after poor sales.
Under current UK rules, REEVs can be sold alongside hybrid vehicles for five years beyond the ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, potentially giving manufacturers more flexibility as the transition to electric vehicles accelerates.
In practice, if Jaguar were to offer a range extender option, it could offer significantly greater range than the roughly 400 miles expected of its upcoming electric GT, while still offering an all-electric driving experience.
Jaguar declined to comment on reports of hybrid development, reiterating that its all-electric strategy remains intact. But the speculation highlights growing pressure on premium carmakers as demand for electric vehicles weakens in key markets and consumers weigh practicality against ambition in the switch to electric mobility.
