Jaguar E-type reborn as electric classic

If there is a Venn diagram with overlap between retro and futuristic, Jaguar is hoping its born-again battery-powered E-type finds it.

Hot on the heels of releasing its brilliant new all-electric I-PACE crossover, Jaguar Land Rover has announced it will build a limited number of E-type sports cars powered exclusively by a battery and electric motor from 2020.

More than two billion people saw the Jaguar E-type Zero concept being driven away from the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May.

The latest iteration of the Jaguar E-type Zero concept, finished in Bespoke Bronze paint, made its North American debut at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday (August 24).

The Jaguar E-type Zero will be built by Jaguar Classic, which is Jaguar’s vintage restoration operation in Coventry, England, rather than the Magna operation in Austria that assembles the I-PACE.

The really cool part is that it can be retrofitted into all current E-types, and the change of powertrain can later be reversed to re-swallow a classic inline six-cylinder petrol engine, should owners choose.

Jaguar is targeting a driving range in excess of 170 miles (275km) for the all-electric E-type, aided by the car’s low kerb weight and sleek aerodynamics.

The concept is powered by a 40kWh battery, which Jaguar says can be recharged in six to seven hours, depending on power source.

Jaguar says the engineless E-type Zero concept not only drives and looks like an E-type, it delivers quicker acceleration than the original Series 1 E-type.

Its state-of-the-art electric powertrain with single-speed reduction gear has been specially designed for the E-type, utilising many Jaguar I-PACE components.

And its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions -- and similar weight -- to the standard E-type’s six-cylinder petrol XK engine and is in the same location, retaining its front-rear weight distribution.

Jaguar says that means the car’s structure -- including its suspension and brakes -- has not changed, simplifying the conversion and making it drive, handle, ride and brake like an original E-type.

Indeed, apart from its advanced powertrain, LED headlights and modified instrumentation including JLR's latest touch-screen infotainment (which will be available as an option), the E-type Zero remains largely original.

“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," said Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director.

“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.”

Full technical specs and pricing are yet to be announced, but Jaguar Classic is now taking expressions of interest ahead of first customer deliveries starting from mid-2020.