Jaguar confirms production of all-electric version of the E-type with I-Pace technology

Jaguar announced today that it is bringing to production an EV conversion project based on the E-type Zero concept unveiled last year.

The British automaker plans to sell the all-electric E-type and offer EV conversions to existing owners.

In September of last year, they unveiled a classic E-type converted to electric propulsion as a concept vehicle.

At the time, it was seen as a show car built in order to “give a glimpse at Jaguar’s electric future” considering it was right ahead of the launch of the I-Pace, Jaguar’s first production electric vehicle.

But now they are bringing the vehicle to production through “Jaguar Classic” under which the electric vehicle will be offered as the ‘Jaguar E-type Zero’.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said today about the announcement:

“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.”

It sounds like they will both sales the vehicle with an electric powertrain and offer the option for current classic E-type (1961-1975 owners to convert their car to electric through them.

The British automaker says that they are taking “expressions of interest” and they plan for the first deliveries in 2020 with “technical specifications and pricing details” to follow.

We already have some ideas of the specs based on the Jaguar E-type Zero concept unveiled last year. It was based on a 1968 Series 1.5 Jaguar E-type Roadster.

They converted the iconic vehicle to electric propulsion with a 40kWh battery that enables a ‘real world’ range of 270km (about 170 miles), according to the company.

“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.”

Here are a few pictures of what was updated to allow the electric conversion:

Now Jaguar says that they plan to use “many Jaguar I-PACE components” for the new EV conversion.

Here are some images of the latest version of the car unveiled by Jaguar today:

Electrek’s Take

I am extremely excited by this car, which I think is stunning, but I am even more excited about this EV conversion direct-from-manufacturer idea in general.

Bravo to Jaguar for going for it and automakers of other beautiful classics please take note.

It’s also nice to see an automaker actually bringing to market what, at the time, appeared to only just be another car show prototype.

That’s a refreshing change of pace.