Jag icon gets electrified
Green light for E-type EV
Jaguar will put the electric E-type Zero into production following the enthusiastic reception received by a one-off concept version unveiled last year.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic, the company’s fast-growing heritage division, will sell original E-types that have been restored and converted to run on battery power. It will also offer a conversion service for owners of existing E-types, alongside its current E-type Reborn restoration programme. First deliveries are expected in summer 2020.
The firm hasn’t released full technical specs but has said it is aiming for a range of more than 170 miles using a 40kwh battery. The E-type Zero concept shown last year featured a 295bhp electric motor and had a claimed 150mph top speed — matching the original 1961 car’s — and a 0-60mph time of 5.5sec. The powertrain takes many of its components from the Jaguar I-pace electric SUV.
The battery of the E-type Zero takes the place of the original’s 3.8-litre six-cylinder iron-block engine under the bonnet, with the electric motor fitting in the space of the newly absent gearbox. The E-type Zero weighs 46kg less than the original.
It also receives modified instrumentation, with a touchscreen available as an option. LED headlights are added, but otherwise the concept is described by Jaguar as “largely original”. The conversion will be fully reversible, allowing owners to refit the straight six if required.
The conversion of an existing donor E-type will cost around £60,000, with a complete E-type Zero estimated at £300,000. The Concept Zero’s most notable appearance to date was during the royal wedding earlier this year.