Following the successful debut of the E-type Zero concept last year, Jaguar UK has announced that it is to go ahead with zero-emissions conversions for this iconic British sports car.
Jaguar Classic will combine its experience and expertise together with cutting-edge technology from the Jaguar I-PACE zero-emission SUV, to offer tailor-made and restored E-type Jaguars converted to electric power at its Classic Works facility in Coventry, England.
Jaguar will also be offering the new EV conversion for existing E-type owners and to preserve the authenticity of the original base vehicle, the conversion will be fully reversible at any point in the future.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director Tim Hannig says: “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.”
Owners can expect a range of over 170 miles per charge from the 40kWh battery which takes six to seven hours to charge up, depending on the power source used.
Whilst much of the car remains original, there is a new state-of-the-art powertrain, modified instrumentation and dashboard facia which offers drivers touchscreen infotainment as an optional extra and LED headlights to improve the night time driving experience.
The all-electric powertrain with a single-speed reduction gear has been specifically designed for the car and uses many of the Jaguar I-PACE components. The lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions and a similar weight to the standard E-type’s six-cylinder petrol XK engine and is also in the same location and so it looks perfectly at home under the bonnet.
The car’s new electric motor lies just behind the battery pack, in place of the E-type’s gearbox and a new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive.
By using an electric powertrain that has a similar weight and dimensions to the original petrol engine and transmission means that the car’s structure, including its suspension and brakes has not changed, which simplifies the conversion and keeps the driving experience very much the same as the original vehicle. What’s particularly exciting about this modified Jaguar E-type, is that it drives, handles, rides and brakes just like the original E-type, with an unchanged front to rear weight distribution. It also has outstanding performance, with faster acceleration than the original Series 1 E-type Jaguar.
Whilst deliveries of the first electric E-types are expected to begin from the summer of 2020, pricing and technical specifications will follow soon.
Prospective clients are invited to contact Jaguar Classic with expressions of interest at zero@jaguarlandrover.com or by calling +44 (0) 203 601 1255. More information can be found at www.jaguar.com/classic
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor-in-Chief of Our Man On The Ground Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, a member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Jaguar UK
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