Jaguar Announces All-Electric E-Type Will Be Built

Jaguar’s all-electric E-Type will be produced in limited numbers, the British car manufacturer has confirmed.

The original Jaguar E-Type Zero concept was introduced in September 2017 and later garnered worldwide attention after being used during the UK’s Royal Wedding. On the back of a hugely-positive response to the car, Jaguar Classic has announced it will offer E-Types that have been restored and converted to electric power. Existing E-Type owners will also be offered an EV conversion that’s fully reversible.

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

“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.”

Sacrilege or a sign of the times?

Jaguar will provide technical specifications and pricing details at a later date but has confirmed that it is taking expressions of interest from potential clients and will start deliveries from summer 2020.

Power for the original E-Type Zero concept was provided by a 40 kWh battery. The car also made use of a single-speed reduction gear designed specifically for the E-Type and using various components from the Jaguar I-Pace. The battery pack actually has the same dimensions and roughly the same weight as the E-Type’s original six-cylinder petrol engine.

As the battery is located in the same place as the engine, Jaguar hasn’t had to mess with the E-Type’s suspension and brakes, allowing for a much easier conversion and retaining the car’s original driving experiences. The marque says it “drives, handles, rides and brakes like an original E-Type with front-rear weight distribution unchanged.”

To promote the car, Jaguar will unveil the latest iteration of the E-Type Zero concept, finished in a Bespoke Bronze paint finish, at today’s The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering.