Jaguar F-Pace (bettorodrigues/Bigstock.com)

Jaguar Land Rover is set to unveil its very first electric vehicle, in an effort to catch up with competitors in what promises to be a lucrative segment of the motor industry.

The UK-based car maker, owned by the Indian Tata Group, is keen to move into the electric car market, not only for the inherent commercial promise of the technology, but in order to avoid certain green taxes related to its high-emission model range.

It is believed that the new model will be in the 'crossover' segment and may be revealed as soon as next week, possibly during the Los Angeles Motor Show.

JLR supplanted Nissan as the UK's biggest carmaker in 2015, producing more than 500,000 cars annually. Many believe the firm must enter emerging market segments – particularly electric – in order to continue growing.

Analysts believe the company’s first electric vehicle will be launched under the Jaguar brand, following from the popularity of the F-Pace model.

Jaguar has been working on electric technologies for some time. Last year it entered the Formula E electric car championship – an ideal arena in which to trial new electric systems.

JLR is moving into the electric segment a little late compared to some rivals. Volkswagen, for instance, has been investing billions into electric technologies, keen to make up lost ground since the emissions rigging scandal of 2015. BMW, Ford, Citroen and Fiat are among other brands that have launched popular electric models in recent years.

Much will rest on the success or failure of JLR’s eagerly anticipated electric car.