Jaguar’s making the electric E-type Zero a reality

Last year we were fortunate enough to get a look at the Jaguar E-type Zero, an all-electric concept car that saw an electric powertrain popped into an E-type body, resulting in the most beautiful electric car we’ve ever laid eyes on. Now Jaguar has announced the beautiful mix of retro and modern that is the E-type Zero is going to be made at the same Classic Works facility in Coventry that made the concept version.

“Combining its restoration expertise with cutting-edge technology from the Jaguar I-PACE, the award-winning zero-emissions performance SUV, Jaguar Classic will offer tailor-made E-types restored and converted to electric power at the same Classic Works facility as its outstanding E-type Reborn restorations in Coventry, UK,” the company said in a press release on Friday.

“An EV conversion service for existing E-type owners will also be offered. To preserve the authenticity of the base vehicle, the EV conversion will be fully reversible.” In other words, you’re going to need an original E-Type to get started — these aren’t simply going to show up in Jaguar showrooms.

Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic says the company has 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”.

The company’s tightlipped for now about the pricing and specifications of the E-type Zero, but says Jaguar Classic “is now taking expressions of interest from potential E-type Zero clients” and that deliveries of the first units should start in 2020… which means you’ve got some time to convince pops he should lend you his E-type so you can electrify it.

Also, when it comes to cost, we suspect if you have to ask, you’re not the target market. A mainstream EV this isn’t. But, if we had to guess, we suspect you’re looking at around £150,000… and that’s without the original E-type bit. Eek.

New age fun with a retro feel

Jaguar Classic says its hoping to realise a range of over 270km per charge of the 40kWh battery, and that drivers will enjoy even better acceleration than they would in a classic E-type.

The electric powertrain includes a “single-speed reduction gear” specially designed for the E-type, that incorporates a number of components from the Jag I-Pace, and the lithium-ion battery pack has been designed to fit the same space (and weigh roughly the same) as the six-cylinder petrol XK engine you’d find in an original. That should translate to similar handling as an original, too.

We’re all for keeping things relatively unchanged. If it ain’t broke, etc. But those techies wanting a bit of contemporary convenience can opt for an optional touchscreen infotainment system, along with LED headlights.

Will we ever get to drive one? Our fingers and toes are firmly crossed. For more pics of the E-Type Zero, head on over to our original story on it over here.