Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a multi-year deal to utilise Fortescue Metals Group’s next-generation battery intelligence software, Elysia, in its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs). The software is designed to enhance battery life, safety, and overall performance. As part of its shift to a “House of Brands”, JLR has been investing significantly in electrification, including a £15 billion pledge over five years.
This collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind venture in the automotive industry, with Elysia software slated to debut on the highly anticipated Range Rover Electric launching later this year. The software will then be integrated across JLR’s entire electric vehicle portfolio, offering significant benefits to both the manufacturer and its customers. Part of JLR’s strategy is to relaunch Jaguar as a pure electric brand later this year at an as yet undisclosed data and location in the USA.
Elysia: Enhanced Performance For A Sustainable Future
Fortescue’s Elysia software utilises a combination of physics-based digital twins, which the Jaguar TCS Formula E racing team already employs, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence to meticulously monitor battery health throughout a vehicle’s lifespan. This allows JLR not only to optimise battery performance but also ensure exceptional safety standards for drivers.
For JLR customers, the implementation of Elysia translates into a demonstrably improved ownership experience. Drivers can expect faster charging times, along with greater reliability and potentially extended driving range. Additionally, the software facilitates a more sustainable approach to battery management by simplifying the transition of batteries from electric vehicles to second-life applications.
Collaboration Underpins JLR’s Electrification Ambitions
This strategic partnership aligns perfectly with JLR’s Reimagine strategy, a comprehensive plan to electrify all its brands by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2039. Fortescue, itself a company with ambitious decarbonisation goals, brings unique expertise to the table, having pledged to eliminate emissions from its operations by 2030. In 2022, the company purchased Wiliams Advanced Engineering, which originally developed the Elysia platform.
“Fortescue’s technology grants JLR unparalleled access to data analytics, a crucial factor as we electrify our entire vehicle portfolio by 2030,” said Thomas Mueller, Executive Director of Product Engineering at JLR. “Collaborations like this are paramount in the ongoing industry shift towards electrification. Together, we aim to revolutionise battery safety, performance, and lifespan.”
Although the media focus over the last five years has been on electrification, the parallel revolution of the Software Defined Vehicle is just as influential. JLR’s adoption of Fortescue’s Elysia platform illustrates the importance of cutting edge code to automotive success.
Unlocking the Potential of EVs with Software
Mark Hutchinson, CEO of Fortescue, echoed Mueller’s sentiments, highlighting the innovative spirit of the collaboration. “This venture represents the pinnacle of cutting-edge engineering and innovation,” he said. “Through Elysia, JLR will gain a revolutionary approach to real-world battery monitoring, ensuring every vehicle upholds the brand’s exceptionally high standards. The knowledge gleaned from motorsport is now being harnessed to optimise battery systems for everyday driving, unlocking a future of unparalleled EV performance for JLR customers.”
The strategic partnership empowers JLR with the ability to glean in-depth insights into battery health. This data can then be utilised to provide specific recommendations for optimising performance via software updates, ensuring JLR’s EVs stay at the forefront of the automotive industry. The first electric Jaguar is expected to cost over £100,000 ($127,000), significantly more than current internal combustion engine vehicles from the brand.
This collaboration with Fortescue underscores JLR’s commitment to its Reimagine strategy, building on the company’s December 2023 partnership with Tata Communications to connect its global operations with advanced digital capabilities. Both Tata Communications and JLR are wholly owned subsidiaries of giant Indian conglomerate, Tata Group. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering strategic alliances, JLR is paving the way for a future of sustainable luxury electric vehicles.
