Home News Jaguar E-type Zero

Jaguar E-type Zero

Depressed about a future of dull electric cars? Jaguar has come to the rescue with an electric conversion of their most iconic car – the E-type.

Engineered by Jaguar Land Rover Classic at company’s new ‘Classic Works’ in Warwickshire, the E E-type is actually quicker than the car it’s built from (a 1968 Series 1.5) with a 0-62 time of 5.5 seconds.

I’m sure many of you will think that it’s sacrilege to tear apart an original E-type to make this electric version, but Jaguar Land Rover Classic say:

Our aim with E-type Zero is to future-proof classic car ownership. We’re looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market.”

As a lover of E-types(they are in my top 10) but too much of a chicken to run a classic car (even if I could afford one!) I love this concept. I know part of the appeal of a classic E is the XK engine but I think this concept could still deliver a pretty great ownership experience.

Here are a few more details from Jaguar:

  • E-type Zero’s unique electric powertrain was developed by an electric powertrain specialist in conjunction with Jaguar Land Rover engineers and to a specific brief from Jaguar Land Rover Classic. It uses some technology and components borrowed from the upcoming I-PACE, Jaguar Land Rover’s first production all-electric vehicle.
  • The E-type Zero has a ‘real world’ range of 270km (about 170 miles), helped by the low weight and good aerodynamics. It uses a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged from home overnight (typically in six to seven hours, depending on power source).
  • An electric powertrain developing 220kW has been specially designed for the E-type Zero. Its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions, and similar weight, to the XK six-cylinder engine used in the original E-type. The experts responsible for developing the electric powertrain have ensured it will be placed in precisely the same location as the XK engine. The electric motor (and reduction gear) lies just behind the battery pack, in the same location as the E-type’s gearbox. A new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive. Total weight is 46kg lower than the original E-type.
  • We have integrated the new electric powertrain into the existing E-type structure, which means a conventional engine could be reinstalled at any point. We think this is essential as it ensures a period Jaguar remains authentic to its DNA

To ensure I’m not pelted with rotten fruit at the next Breakfast Meet, I’ll take an E-type Zero and a nice Eagle version as well……

Previous articleEdinburgh Airport Race the Runway 2017
Next articleTVR is back!
Tea maker, car tester and event organiser. I must do other stuff too...daddy and DIY #fail master