Jaguar E-Type Zero is an ELECTRIC E-Type
Jaguar Classic has created an electric version of an original 1968 Series 1.5 E-Type, retaining almost all of the original E-Type, but making it purely electric powered.
The Jaguar E-Type is one of the few cars you really can call ‘Iconic’, and the idea that you would ‘Sacrifice’ and original 1968 E-Type to create an electric E-Type will be seen as sacrilege in some circles.
But that hasn’t stopped Jaguar Classic from taking a 1968 Series 1.5 E-Type and turning it in to an electric car – the Jaguar E-Type Zero.
Displayed at Tech Fest, the fully restored E-Type gets a state-of-the art electric powertrain, cleverly integrated in to the E-Type with minimal changes to the original, apart from the obvious loss of the XK engine and exhaust.
The 220kW lithium ion powered electric powertrain has the same dimensions – and similar weight – to the XK engine, and is place exactly where the engine was, with the electric motor sitting behind where the gearbox was, sending power to the back wheels using a modified propshaft and original diff.
This setup has allowed Jaguar to retain the original suspension and brakes and it handles, claim Jaguar, just like and original E-Type.
The E-Type Zero has a real world electric range of 170 miles – more than enough for almost any jaunt in a Classic Car (something would probably break before you got that far), which can be charged at home overnight in around 6-7 hours.
Performance is said to be around 5.5 seconds to 62mph from the electric powertrain’s 295bhp motor, helped by the EV powertrain cutting the E-Type’s weight by around 50kg.
At the moment, the E-Type Zero is a one-off, but if there’s real interest we can’t see Jaguar resisting the temptation to create more electric E-Types for clients.
And because the XK engine was so ubiquitous, it leaves open the opportunity to do the same to any of the XK-engined cars, from the XK120 to the XJ6.
mark says
Amazing. Want one.