Here comes the electric E-type!
POWER SHIFT FOR JAGUAR E-TYPE... AND THEY’LL BE BUILT IN COVENTRY
E-type zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at classic works. Tim Hannig
JAGUAR Classic has confirmed it will build all-electric E-types - and they will be made right here in Coventry.
The news follows the iconic EV sports car’s successful debut in concept form at Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest in September last year.
Combining its restoration expertise with cutting-edge technology from the Jaguar I-PACE, Jaguar Classic will offer tailormade E-types restored and converted to electric power at the same Classic Works facility as its outstanding E-type Reborn restorations in Coventry.
An EV conversion service for existing E-type owners will also be offered - and to preserve the authenticity of the base vehicle, the EV conversion will be fully reversible.
Technical specifications and pricing details will follow, but Jaguar Classic is now taking expressions of interest from potential clients and deliveries of the first electric E-type vehicles are expected to start from summer 2020.
And those who do buy one will know they’re driving the same type of electric Jaguar that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle departed their wedding in earlier this year.
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept.
“Future-proofing the enjoyment of classic car ownership is a major stepping stone for Jaguar Classic.
“E-type Zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works, while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover’s dedication to creating zero emission vehicles across every part of the business, including Jaguar Classic.” E-type Zero concept The E-type Zero concept not only drives and looks like an E-type, it will also offers outstanding performance with quicker acceleration than the original Series 1 E-type, Jaguar say.
Jaguar Classic is targeting a range in excess of 170 miles for all-electric E-types, helped by the car’s “low kerb weight and sleek aerodynamics”.
The concept is powered by a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged in six to seven hours, depending on power source. Apart from its state-of-theart powertrain, modified instrumentation and fascia showcasing the latest touchscreen infotainment (which will be available as an option), the E-type Zero concept is largely original. Efficient LED headlights complement the iconic Series 1 design. An electric powertrain with single-speed reduction gear has been specially designed for the E-type, utilising many Jaguar I-PACE components. Its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions, and similar weight, to the standard E-type’s six-cylinder petrol XK engine and is in the same location.
The electric motor lies just behind the battery pack, in place of the E-type’s gearbox. A new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive.
The latest iteration of the E-type Zero concept, finished in a Bespoke Bronze paint finish, will give the car its US debut at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering.