British High Commissioner to Jamaica Asif Ahmad is celebrating what he said was his first solar-energised road trip in Jamaica, traveling from Hanover to Kingston.

Ahmad earlier this year ordered a fully electric Jaguar I Pace through Stewart’s Auto Group in his own contribution to the reduction in world reliance on fossil fuels.

“The Jaguar I Pace topped up from power stored in batteries from solar panels. Total cost of the return trip JMD 1000,” Ahmad said in a tweet yesterday (May 10).

The I Pace has no combustion engine to transfer energy and power is sent directly to the wheels, allowing the luxurious vehicle to deliver 394 horsepower.

According to caranddriver.com, the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace is a fascinating all-electric crossover that looks good and drives well while boasting an EPA-rated range of 253 miles plus fast-charging capability and instantaneous acceleration.

“The I-Pace also handles more like a sports car than a five-seat crossover, with its controlled demeanor and tactile steering,” the car review website said.

While Ahmad appeared to be in awe of his new vehicle’s performance and cost efficiency, some persons responding to his tweet couldn’t help but question the up front costs in procuring and maintaining the vehicle, despite its inarguable value to protecting the environment.

Stewart’s Auto’s I Pace price tag was not immediately available, but, according to caranddriver.com, the vehicle starts around US$71,000 (J$10.7 million)

In March of last year, the crossover SUV won European Car of the Year.

The I Pace was launched in Jamaica at the Jaguar Land Rover Showroom on April 8, with a small number of guests, in keeping with the Government’s COVID-19 protocols.