‘Prince of green’ Charles shows off zero-emissions Jaguar to Indian PM Narendra Modi

Prince Charles shares a laugh with Naredra Modi
@PMOIndia
Robert Jobson18 April 2018

It is no secret that the Prince of Wales has a love for cars as well as a passion for saving the environment.

And today the green king-in-waiting combined the two when he stepped into his brand new zero-emissions electric motor.

Eco campaigner Charles is the first dignitary to be seen in the Jaguar I-Pace — and he used it to transport himself for an engagement with Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, at the Science Museum.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is owned by Indian company Tata, which has strong links to the Commonwealth, making it an appropriate car for Charles to use for his engagement with Mr Modi.

The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Modi visiting the Science Museum
@ClarenceHouse

As part of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting events, Charles and Mr Modi, leader of the most populous Commonwealth nation, visited the Illuminating India exhibition, and met members of the British Indian communities.

Charles’s new car was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show last month, and deliveries will start in August in the UK. It is the first zero-emissions electric SUV from a major premium car brand, and incorporates state-of-the-art design and technology.

The Prince has been a global pioneer for sustainable green living initiatives for many years, prompting JLR to offer him this early opportunity to try the first electric Jaguar.

Prince Charles and Indian Prime Minister Modi shake hands
@ClarenceHouse

He had a private viewing of the initial design, and some future electric vehicle concepts, just over a year ago.

He expressed considerable interest in the transition to electric vehicles, the development of vehicle battery technology and battery life cycles.

Car lover Charles famously converted the classic Aston Martin 1969 DB6 that the Queen gave him for his 21st birthday to run on 100 per cent bioethanol fuel distilled from surplus English wine.

Later today Charles was due to attend a reception at the closing session of the Commonwealth Business Forum at Guildhall.