Efficiency and electrics have earned Ford and Jaguar a bunch of accolades at the 2019 International Engine and Powertrain of the Year (IEPOTY) awards with Ford nothicing up its 11th win for the 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine since 2012.

The 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine was named 2019 IIEPOTY winner in the Sub-112 kW category, with Jaguar taking the Best Electric Powertrain, Best New Engine and the 260 to 335 kW category.

Delivering up to 104 kW power, the compact, low-friction engine powered more than one in four Ford models sold in 2018 – more than 410 000 vehicles – from the Fiesta hatchback family car to the Transit Connect van.

Ford recently enhanced the 1,0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offered for the Ford Focus and Transit Connect to deliver even greater fuel efficiency with technologies including an industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine.

Significant enhancements to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emission-control systems also complement the core EcoBoost turbo-charging, high-pressure direct fuel injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing technologies. The enhanced engine will be introduced to further models this year.

“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost continues to set new benchmarks for compact petrol engines, even seven years and 11 awards after its first International Engine and Powertrain of the Year victory,” says Carsten Weber, manager, Research & Advanced Powertrain Engineering, Ford of Europe. “Even with 1,6-million 1,0-litre EcoBoost engines already on the road we are still uncovering its potential. New, even more fuel-efficient electrified powertrains with 1,0-litre EcoBoost at their core are hitting the road soon.”

An IEPOTY panel of 70 judges from 31 countries awarded Ford’s EcoBoost a total of 145 points to win the category by 26 points, ahead of powertrains from BMW, PSA Group, Toyota/Lexus, and Volkswagen.

Ford earlier this year announced the engine will provide the basis for the mild-hybrid powertrains in the new Fiesta EcoBoost Hybrid and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models.

For these electrified powertrains, a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) replaces the standard alternator, enabling recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt battery pack.

The BISG also acts as a motor, seamlessly integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance – reducing the amount of work required from the petrol engine to maximise fuel savings. In addition, the BISG helps deliver punchier performance, particularly at lower engine speeds, for a more flexible and connected driving experience.

By mitigating turbo-lag, the BISG has enabled Ford engineers to boost the 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine’s power to up to 115 kW using a larger turbo-charger.

The three titles won by Jaguar recognise the technical excellence of the I-PACE’s zero emissions powertrain, which was designed and developed in-house.

Ian Hoban, Powertrain Director, Jaguar Land Rover, says: “We have used all the benefits of state-of-the-art battery and motor technology to create a world-class electric vehicle. As well as zero emissions, the all-electric powertrain delivers an ideal balance of performance, refinement and range, together with outstanding responsiveness, agility and day-to-day usability. I-PACE is a true driver’s car, and above all a true Jaguar. We set out to make the world’s best all-electric performance SUV: these awards reflect that, and are fitting recognition for what the engineering team has achieved.”

I-PACE’s 90 kWh lithium-ion battery enables a range of up to 470 km. It is capable of charging from 0-80% in a maximum 72 minutes using a 60 kW DC charger, or 0-100% in around 12 hours when using a 7kW AC wallbox – ideal for overnight charging at home.

A suite of smart, range-optimising technologies includes a battery pre-conditioning system: when plugged in the I-PACE will automatically raise (or lower) the temperature of its battery to maximise range ahead of driving away.

A heat pump can scavenge energy from the outside air – even in sub-zero conditions – to reduce the amount of battery energy used by the climate control system. It can even utilise heat generated by the propulsion system to warm up the cabin, further reducing demand on the battery.

The battery is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low down as possible. This location enables perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity: together with the advanced double wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension this is fundamental to the I-PACE’s agile handling and ride comfort.

I-PACE has received 66 global awards since it was revealed little more than a year ago, including 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, World Green Car, European Car of the Year, and German, Norwegian and UK Car of the Year.