EVs not ‘cars’ in dictionary definition

Jaguar is spearheading a campaign to have English dictionary definitions of the word ‘car’ changed from meaning powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) to allow for zero emissions vehicles.

While Jaguar’s electric I-Pace was named 2019 World Car of the Year, using the current definitions it isn’t a ‘car’.

So the company is asking the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and Oxford Dictionaries (OxfordDictionaries.com) to change their official online definitions of the word.

The OED, the principal historical dictionary of the English language, defines a ‘car’ in its online dictionary as: ‘a road vehicle powered by a motor (usually an internal combustion engine) designed to carry a driver and a small number of passengers, and usually having two front and two rear wheels, esp. for private, commercial, or leisure use.’

Whereas the definition of a ‘car’ on Oxford Dictionaries.com, a collection of dictionary websites produced by Oxford University Press (OUP), is: 

‘A road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine and able to carry a small number of people.’

To remedy the situation, Jaguar has submitted a formal application to the OED and OxfordDictionaries.com to have the definitions updated to include additional powertrains, such as those in electric vehicles (EVs).

“A lot of time and thought is put into the name of any new vehicle or technology to ensure it is consumer friendly, so it’s surprising to see that the definition of the car is a little outdated,” Jaguar Land Rover naming committee head David Browne says.

“We are therefore inviting the Oxford English Dictionary and the Oxford Dictionaries to update its online classification to reflect the shift from traditional internal combustion engines towards more sustainable powertrains.”

Jaguar Land Rover NZ general manager Steve Kenchington says the largely symbolic campaign is designed to raise public awareness of how rapidly automotive technology and design is changing.

“While the concept of our understanding of how a car operates has remained consistent for generations, we are now entering a period of rapid evolution in the industry – which will fundamentally change the way we use our vehicles,” he says.

“In addition to the launch of EVs, the next decade will see the introduction of increasingly autonomous vehicles – which will also challenge our definition of driving.

“The future is clearly moving towards electric vehicles, and Jaguar Land Rover is working to ensure that consumer awareness around new automotive designs and innovation is kept at a level that will ensure public acceptance of the new technologies.”

By 2020 all new Jaguar vehicles will be offered with an electrified/electric powertrain.

Jaguar is meanwhile encouraging people to get behind the campaign by asking how the word ‘car’ should be defined.

Contact Jaguar on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #RedefineTheCar with your thoughts.